Almost a week after jumpstarting their new era for their upcoming album, Blue Water Road, Kehlani brought the set’s lead single, "Altar," to Governors Ball 2021 in New York City.

Dressed in an all-white ensemble, the R&B singer took to the GOVBALLNYC Presented by Verizon stage on Friday (September 24) shortly before the sun set to deliver the first-ever performance of the track. "I'm going to dedicate this to all the people that all of us here have lost, that are walking with us every single day," they energetically told the crowd. "Y'all make sure that you take care of those people because they are taking care of you. Okay, I promise. Y'all wanna do it? I've never performed this before. We didn't even get to rehearse it, so I'm just going to try."

Throughout the rest of their 60-minute set outside of Citi Field, the singer offered rich vocals, choreography and some occasional banter, alongside an all-female band and four backup dancers. Running through catalog highlights like "Hate The Club," "Nights Like This," "Can I," "Distraction," "CRZY," and even the second-ever performance of "Good Thing," their collaboration with Zedd, Kehlani swayed around the stage and offered some light dancing for sporadic numbers. No special guests. No extravagant production. Just a good ol’ fashioned performer in their feelings. "I know people come to festivals and y'all want to turn up and jump around, but y'all know that I make R&B music, right? It's all hot, so maybe it's good that we're chilling. No mosh pits, just vibes. Can we keep it chill for a little bit?" they asked the audience.

And while Cardi B was absent from "Ring," Kehlani, a mother of one, made sure to shout out their collaborator, emphasizing the importance of showing love to new mothers. "We in New York, so we going to do my homegirl's song. I wish she was here with me, but she just had a beautiful baby. Y'all know I'm a mommy, so we going to send good love and good vibes to Cardi B and her family and her new baby. Y'all gotta pray for new mommies, okay?"

Brittany Gonzalez

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