Slayyyter, RAYE, and Kehlani Achieve Career Milestones with Record-Breaking Tours in 2026

In 2026, three prominent artists—Slayyyter, RAYE, and Kehlani—have reached significant career milestones, marking their most successful years to date. Slayyyter’s recent album, WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA, has made waves, hitting No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Dance Albums chart and maintaining a presence on the chart for 18 weeks. Additionally, it debuted at No. 22 on the Billboard 200. RAYE’s latest release, This Music May Contain Hope, achieved No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and produced a top 20 single on the Billboard Hot 100 titled “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” Meanwhile, Kehlani’s single “Folded” reached No. 6 on the Hot 100, marking her first top 10 hit, and her self-titled album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

The chart successes of these artists have translated into the largest audiences of their careers.

Festival Performances and Tours

Slayyyter has been actively participating in the festival circuit this year, with a notable performance at Lollapalooza. Following the success of her album, she was elevated to a main stage set at the festival. She began her Chicago performances with an aftershow at The Salt Shed on July 30, 2026, leading up to her main stage appearance on July 31.

RAYE’s tour, titled This Tour May Contain New Music, has taken her to arenas across Europe and theaters in North America. Highlights include two nights at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 15 and 16, as well as performances at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on May 12 and 13.

Kehlani has also experienced a standout year, returning to her roots and embracing her authentic self. Despite facing show cancellations due to her comments on Gaza last spring, she launched The Kehlani World Tour on August 6, 2026, at The Armory in Minneapolis. The tour will continue across North America until October 4, concluding with two shows at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountainview, California.

Behind the Success

The success of these tours can be attributed to the efforts of their booking agent, Eli Gelernter of THE•TEAM, who has been recognized as Billboard’s Executive of the Week. Gelernter was present at Lollapalooza, where five of his clients performed, including Slayyyter, Wet Leg, Destin Conrad, Asha Banks, and SUNSHINE BENZI. Wet Leg began their festival journey at The Vic Theatre in Chicago on July 30 before performing at Lollapalooza on its first day. Conrad also held an aftershow on August 1 before his performance at the festival on August 2, while Asha Banks and SUNSHINE BENZI took the stage on August 6.

Gelernter emphasized the importance of nurturing an artist’s vision over time, highlighting the significance of building a loyal fanbase. He noted that Slayyyter has always had a committed following, and the team has worked diligently to cater to that audience throughout her career, even before the release of WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA.

RAYE’s Journey

RAYE’s journey in the music industry began when she was signed at the age of 17. Her team recognized her potential early on, especially her significance within the queer community following her Euphoric Sad Songs campaign. To cater to her existing audience before the release of her debut album, My 21st Century Blues, RAYE’s first shows in America were strategically scheduled during Pride events, establishing her as a marquee act.

Her versatility across genres—ranging from jazz to pop, R&B, electronic, and dance—has broadened her appeal. RAYE’s infectious personality and unparalleled work ethic have made her a standout artist in the industry.

Kehlani’s Tour Strategy

Kehlani’s recent tour has been meticulously planned to maintain her market value while ensuring strong demand across the festival circuit. This approach aims to extend the album campaign and solidify her live presence alongside her recorded work.

Gelernter’s experience and track record have been instrumental in securing festival slots for his clients. He noted that his history of successful performances instills confidence in buyers regarding the potential of a project, allowing them to envision where an artist could be in the future.

Artist Development

Gelernter highlighted the importance of signing artists early and helping them grow. He expressed that recognizing an artist’s potential beyond their current status is crucial for their development. He has had the privilege of working with artists like Tyla, FLO, Elyanna, and Natanya, each possessing a distinct identity and ambition.

His relationship with Natasha Bedingfield, one of his first clients, has been particularly meaningful. She believed in him during a pivotal moment in his career, reinforcing the importance of building long-term relationships in the industry.

As reported by www.billboard.com.

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Published on 2026-08-07 22:53:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk