Kehlani doesn’t need a formal announcement to set the internet on fire — sometimes, all it takes is a few studio photos and impeccable timing.
On December 30, the Grammy-nominated R&B star briefly shared photos from inside the studio alongside Pharrell Williams, sending fans into immediate speculation mode. The post was quickly deleted, but not before screenshots made their way across social media, fueling rumors that Kehlani’s next chapter could involve one of music’s most influential hitmakers.
While the two have never officially released a full collaboration, Pharrell does hold songwriting credit on Kehlani’s “Everybody Business” from her 2020 album It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, making the link-up feel less random and more like a full-circle moment. Intentional or not, the message was clear: something big is coming.
And according to Kehlani herself, fans won’t have to wait much longer.
Kehlani is in the studio with Pharrell. pic.twitter.com/DxJK4KExho
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 30, 2025
When Celeb Secrets caught up with the 30-year-old backstage at Y100.7’s Jingle Ball 2025 in Miami, we asked what fans can expect in the new year — and she didn’t hold back.
“I got new music coming in the new year,” Kehlani revealed to Celeb Secrets. “I got an album coming behind ‘Folded,’ and you guys should check it out.”
The forthcoming project will follow a career-defining run that saw Kehlani reach new heights, both commercially and creatively. After a decade of consistent output, she’s entering 2026 with clarity, confidence, and momentum — and she’s fully aware that this next album carries weight.
Kehlani kicked off this new chapter in November with the release of “Out The Window,” a sultry, emotionally charged single that builds seamlessly off the success of “Folded.” Released via Atlantic Records, the track leans into classic R&B textures — layered vocals, hypnotic production, and an intimacy that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.
Like “Folded,” “Out The Window” puts Kehlani’s voice front and center, drawing inspiration from legends like Brandy and Aaliyah while still sounding undeniably modern. It’s a reminder that Kehlani doesn’t chase trends, she shapes them. And if these two singles are any indication, her next album may serve as an homage to R&B’s past while firmly staking her claim in its future.
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about this era without acknowledging the impact of “Folded.” The track became Kehlani’s biggest hit to date, earning her two nominations at the 68th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, her first solo Billboard #1 on the Rhythmic Airplay Chart, and over 300 million global streams.
But when we asked what mattered more — the numbers or the validation — Kehlani reframed the conversation entirely.
“When you think of numbers, you just think that it’s connecting with a large group of people,” she explained to Celeb Secrets. “That’s what I try to remember… more and more people are connecting with me and my message and what I do, and I’m just excited about that.”
It’s a perspective that underscores everything she does: success measured not by accolades, but by impact.
That connection was on full display on December 20, when Kehlani took the stage at iHeartRadio Y100.7’s Jingle Ball 2025 presented by Capital One — the final stop of the national iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour — at the Kaseya Center in Miami, FL.
Sharing the bill with BigXthaPlug, Feid, mgk, MONSTA X, Nelly, Sean Paul, Zara Larsson, and more, Kehlani delivered one of the night’s most magnetic performances. Her setlist — featuring “Folded,” “Toxic,” “Distraction,” “Out The Window,” “Nights Like This,” and “After Hours” — balanced vulnerability with swagger, proving once again why she remains one of R&B’s most compelling live performers.
The event also supported the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, with $1 from every ticket sold benefiting the nonprofit’s mission to inspire pediatric patients through entertainment and education.
With a new album on the horizon, whispers of high-profile collaborations, and a renewed focus on authenticity, Kehlani is stepping into 2026 fully in her power. She’s no longer chasing moments, she’s creating eras. Whatever’s coming next isn’t just worth the wait. It’s about to set the tone.
Make sure to watch our full interview with Kehlani below and don’t forget to let us know if you’re excited for new music by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
For more coverage from the 2025 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, click here.
