Keyshia Cole - The Way It Is Tour Concert Review
Written by: Ravonne McKenzie
On July 10, R&B lovers filled Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena to the rafters for an unforgettable night of soulful storytelling, 2000s nostalgia, and powerhouse performances. With a lineup headlined by Keyshia Cole and supported by Amerie, Tink, and Elijah Blake, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation
Elijah Blake opened the evening with a smooth, emotionally resonant set that quietly commanded attention. Known best for penning songs for Usher and Rihanna, Blake proved he’s just as strong in front of the mic as behind the scenes. He poured his heart into tracks like “I Just Wanna…” and “Stingy,” his falsetto floating beautifully over minimalist production. Though not as widely known as the other acts, he earned his applause with vulnerability and vocal agility.
Amerie’s arrival brought a wave of early-2000s energy. Her brief but high-impact set included “Why Don’t We Fall in Love” and, of course, “1 Thing”—which had the entire arena on its feet. Her set was colorful, sleek, and sonically clean. While her setlist was short, it was full of nostalgia and joy, serving as the perfect bridge between opener and main acts.
Tink took the stage with a fire and authenticity that electrified the crowd. Songs like “Treat Me Like Somebody” hit harder live, backed by a live band and stunning background visuals. Tink’s storytelling was raw and unfiltered—balancing vulnerability with confident swagger. She spoke to the women in the crowd directly, with many fans singing along word-for-word, affirming her place as one of the most compelling voices in modern R&B.
By the time Keyshia Cole finally hit the stage—approximately ninety minutes after the official 7 PM start—every moment of waiting felt earned. Dressed in white, she emerged on the famed heart-shaped staging and instantly commanded the night with “(I Just Want It) To Be Over.
Despite a sluggish start, this Detroit tour stop delivered an emotionally rich evening, blending throwback charm and contemporary flair. From Elijah Blake’s soulful open to Amerie’s throwback energy, Tink’s fiery performance, and Keyshia Cole’s deeply felt headline set, the show honored the legacy of The Way It Is while proving these artists still connect powerfully with audiences. Detroit walked out glowing—reminded of R&B’s enduring heart.
