The Way It Is: 5 Explosive Details About Keyshia Cole's 20th Anniversary Tour (2025-2026)
Keyshia Cole, the undisputed "Princess of Hip-Hop Soul," is currently headlining one of the most anticipated R&B events of the decade: The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour. As of today, December 15, 2025, this commemorative tour is not just a nostalgic look back but a massive, international celebration extending well into 2026, featuring a star-studded lineup and a deep dive into her career-defining debut album. If you are searching for the latest, most up-to-date concert dates, ticket information, and the full list of supporting acts, this is the definitive guide to everything you need to know about the tour that has critics calling it a "fiery trip down heartbreak lane."
The tour is a direct tribute to her 2005 breakthrough album, *The Way It Is*, an R&B masterpiece that cemented her status as a lyrical savant. This article breaks down the five most crucial details, from the confirmed setlist staples to the exclusive VIP packages, ensuring you are fully prepared for the ultimate Keyshia Cole concert experience.
Keyshia Cole: Biography & Career Highlights
Keyshia Myeshia Cole (née Johnson) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality, widely recognized for her soulful voice and raw, honest lyrics.
- Full Name: Keyshia Myeshia Cole (née Johnson)
- Born: October 15, 1981
- Birthplace: Oakland, California
- Nickname: Princess of Hip-Hop Soul
- Breakthrough Album: *The Way It Is* (2005)
- Career Start: Her career began early, meeting MC Hammer at age 12 and later rapper 2Pac. She moved to Los Angeles at 18 and signed with A&M Records.
- Key Themes: Her debut album is known for its bittersweet songs and resilient anthems, resonating with fans who have experienced heartbreak.
- Notable Tours: Co-headlined The Love Hard Tour in 2024 with Trey Songz, and is now headlining *The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour*.
1. The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour: Dates & International Stops (2025-2026)
The core intention of this tour is to celebrate two decades since the release of her debut studio album, *The Way It Is*, which was released on June 21, 2005. The tour is not confined to a single season or region; it is an international anniversary tour, giving fans around the world a chance to see the Grammy-nominated singer.
The schedule is extensive, with dates confirmed deep into 2025 and even early 2026. This extended run is a testament to the enduring legacy of her music and the high demand from her loyal fanbase. Key stops include major arenas and prestigious venues across North America and Europe, ensuring the "Princess of Hip-Hop Soul" brings her signature sound to a global audience.
Upcoming Confirmed Tour Dates and Venues:
- Friday, December 12, 2025: Tampa, FL, USA (Benchmark International Arena)
- Friday, January 9, 2026: Highland, CA, USA (Yaamava' Theater at Yaamava' Resort and Casino)
- Saturday, January 10, 2026: Las Vegas, NV, USA (Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas)
- Sunday, January 11, 2026: Las Vegas, NV, USA (Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas)
- Future 2025 Dates: The tour will also visit cities such as Los Angeles (Crypto.com Arena), Atlanta (State Farm Arena), Baltimore (CFG Bank Arena), and Newark (Prudential Center) throughout the summer and fall of 2025, with an international stop in Paris, France (Adidas Arena) and Amsterdam (AFAS Live) also noted.
2. The All-Star Lineup: Who Is Touring with Keyshia Cole?
One of the most compelling aspects of *The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour* is the phenomenal roster of supporting acts. Keyshia Cole has curated a lineup of R&B and Hip-Hop heavy hitters, ensuring that every concert is a full night of unforgettable music. The specific artists joining her vary by date, making each city's show a unique event.
Confirmed Supporting Acts (Select Dates):
- Tink: An XXL Freshman 2015 alumnus and frequent tour companion.
- Wale: The award-winning artist is a major draw on several tour stops.
- Fridayy: A Platinum-selling artist bringing a fresh sound to the stage.
- Jeremih: The GRAMMY-nominated artist is scheduled for select dates, adding another layer of R&B star power.
- Lil' Kim: The legendary rapper is confirmed for special guest appearances in select cities, including Lincoln, CA, and Newark, NJ.
- Amerie: The R&B songstress known for her hit "1 Thing" is joining the lineup for certain shows.
- Elijah Blake: The highly-praised artist has been noted for his impressive vocal ability during his opening sets.
The combination of these artists—from established legends like Lil' Kim to new R&B voices like Elijah Blake—creates a diverse and high-energy atmosphere. The tour is a showcase of the best of contemporary R&B and Hip-Hop Soul, perfectly complementing Keyshia Cole's own emotionally resonant catalog.
3. The Setlist: What Songs Are Keyshia Cole Performing?
Fans attending *The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour* can expect a comprehensive journey through Keyshia Cole's debut album, alongside other career-defining hits. The concert is structured to celebrate the R&B masterpiece that made her a household name, *The Way It Is*, which critics praised for its raw emotion and powerful vocals.
Early reviews from the tour's kickoff have confirmed that the setlist is a perfect blend of fan favorites and deep cuts, allowing the Grammy-nominated singer to showcase her full vocal range. The show is described as a "great show" and a nostalgic trip, delivering on the promise of celebrating her seminal album.
Confirmed Setlist Staples from The Way It Is Era:
- "(I Just Want It) To Be Over"
- "I Changed My Mind"
- "Love"
- "Guess What?"
- "Down and Dirty"
In addition to these tracks, the setlist includes hits from her subsequent albums, such as "Enough of No Love" and the fan-favorite ballad "Heaven Sent." The performance is a passionate retrospective, demonstrating why Cole is considered a master of the "heartbreak anthem."
4. Ticket & VIP Package Details: How to Get the Best Seats
For those looking to elevate their concert experience, a variety of ticket options are available for the *The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour*, ranging from general admission to exclusive VIP access. Given the high demand for this international anniversary tour, securing tickets early, especially for premium seating, is highly recommended.
Official ticket vendors like Live Nation and Ticketmaster are the primary sources for purchasing tickets, with dates extending into 2026. The most sought-after option is the specialized VIP package, which offers an exclusive experience for dedicated fans of the "Princess of Hip-Hop Soul."
The Way It Is VIP Package Includes:
- One premium reserved ticket in a desirable seating location.
- A Keyshia Cole *The Way It Is* VIP merchandise pack.
- A limited edition 20th-anniversary playbill, specifically curated by Keyshia Cole herself.
The VIP merchandise and curated playbill are unique, limited-edition collector's items that add significant value for any fan celebrating the 20th anniversary of this iconic album.
5. The Legacy: Why The Way It Is Still Matters
The decision to launch a 20th-anniversary tour for her debut album, *The Way It Is*, is a powerful statement about Keyshia Cole's legacy in R&B music. Released in 2005, the album was an immediate success, resonating with a generation by tackling themes of struggle, love, and resilience with raw, unfiltered honesty.
The album is widely regarded as an R&B masterpiece, with Cole co-writing every track alongside heavy hitters, cementing her reputation as a lyrical savant. It set the stage for her to become the "Princess of Hip-Hop Soul," a title earned through her seamless blend of soulful R&B vocals with a hip-hop edge.
This tour is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of the album's impact and its role in shaping modern R&B. By bringing back classic tracks and featuring a diverse group of supporting artists like Tink, Wale, and Jeremih, Keyshia Cole is demonstrating the enduring influence of *The Way It Is* on the music industry two decades later.
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