Kehlani turned a standout single into a full visual moment at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, delivering a live performance of “Folded” that doubled as both theater and celebration.
Taking the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 26, the singer performed the track in a laundromat-inspired set, surrounded by dancers folding clothes in sync with the music before transitioning into a polished group routine to close the performance.
According to WFMF, as the performance built, Kehlani’s vocals remained the focal point, carrying the record's stripped-down, conversational feel into a larger live setting. Shortly after the performance, she was awarded R&B Song of the Year for “Folded,” presented by Ne-Yo.
Accepting the honor, Kehlani thanked her collaborators and supporters, saying, “This is really cool… I just want to say thank you to everybody who helped me write this record.” '
She also acknowledged her fanbase directly, adding that their support remained consistent “when things didn’t go the way that they thought it should.” Reflecting on the song’s success, she described the current moment as “a win for all of us.”
The performance arrives as Kehlani prepares to release her upcoming self-titled album, slated for April 24. The 17-track project will include both “Folded” and “Out the Window,” two songs that have already introduced the tone of the new era. The album is expected to center on themes of vulnerability, growth, and self-definition—ideas she has been openly discussing in recent interviews.
Speaking previously about “Folded,” Kehlani described the record as coming together naturally in the studio. “It felt like it had all the ingredients,” she said, pointing to its conversational lyrics and memorable melody.
She also noted that the hook arrived almost instantly once the beat played, setting the foundation for what would become one of her biggest records to date.
That same intentional approach extends to her broader artistry. In earlier conversations, Kehlani emphasized her focus on making “great songs” rooted in real emotion rather than chasing trends.
