Kenny Iko: TDE Christmas Concert & Rise from The Voice

Emerging from The Voice Season 28 as one of the competition’s most talked-about vocalists, Kenny Iko is fast becoming a standout R&B talent. Hailing from Washington, D.C., the 35-year-old singer earned an early chair turn from hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg during his blind audition with Bruno Mars’s “Versace on the Floor,” a moment that instantly highlighted his range and emotional vulnerability. His audition was so compelling that coaches battled for him, eventually landing him on Team Snoop as one of the season’s memorable voices. 

While still navigating the competitive rounds of The Voice and earning praise for performances like his soulful renditions in the knockouts, Iko’s career reached a new milestone when he took the stage at the 12th annual TDE Christmas Concert in Watts. A major holiday event hosted by Top Dawg Entertainment with proceeds and toy donations benefiting local families. 

At the concert, Iko brought the same smooth vocals and stage presence that made viewers take notice on national television commanding the outdoor stage with confidence and connection to the cheering crowd. The performance wasn’t just a gig; it marked his entry into high profile live showcases outside of reality TV and introduced him to a broader music audience.

SZA Shines, Snoop Dogg & Legends Bring the Heat

The TDE Christmas Concert lineup was one for the books. SZA, fresh off her chart-dominating year and Grammy buzz, delivered a soulful performance that included fan favorites and heartfelt moments with the audience. Her stage presence radiant and commanding reminded fans why she’s one of contemporary R&B’s most powerful voices. 

Hip-hop royalty Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre also lit up the stage with legendary hits like “California Love” and classic West Coast anthems, bridging generations of hip-hop culture for thousands of fans in attendance. 

Why This Matters

For Kenny Iko, performing alongside artists like SZA and Snoop Dogg is less about visibility and more about positioning. From his standout blind audition on The Voice to commanding real-world stages, Iko’s rise reflects discipline, vocal precision, and momentum that feels intentional rather than accidental.

That momentum is now crystallizing in his new single “Late Checkout,” a smooth, emotionally layered record that captures Iko’s strength as a storyteller and modern R&B vocalist. With additional singles already on the way, he’s clearly shifting from competition standout to artist in full creative stride.

If the TDE Christmas Concert performance was any indication, Kenny Iko is entering a defining chapter. New music, bigger stages, and a growing audience suggest this is only the beginning for one of the DMV’s most promising voices heading into 2026.