Kehlani was recently awarded the Impact Award at the Billboard Music in Women event held on April 29 at the Hollywood Palladium. Presented by Ciara, the award recognizes her influence, chart-topping music, and commitment to authenticity.
The “Gangsta” singer attended the event in a jaw-dropping ensemble that one fan claimed was giving “gangster.”
Kehlani Turns Up The Heat At Billboard Women In Music Event
For the event, Kehlani’s outfit featured a white shirt with a contrasting black band across the shoulders, styled backward and pulled down into an off-the-shoulder silhouette. The shirt was tucked into a black corset bodice with visible silver hardware and a cinched waist that accentuated her figure.
Below, she wore high-waisted, tailored black pinstripe pants with a wide-leg fit, giving the outfit a perfect balance of structured formality and effortless cool.
Standing on pointed-toe heels, Kehlani gave off a hypnotic charm. With her wavy hair cascading down her back, a full glam beat, a shimmering silver necklace, and chunky rings, she completed the bold, statement-making look.
She Serves ‘Gangster’
The day after the event, Kehlani dropped an 11-slide Instagram carousel of the look, appearing with her daughter in some of the slides. In her caption, she thanked Billboard for the Impact award, dedicating it to strong women everywhere.
Fans flooded the comments with compliments on her outfit, her recent album, the track featured in the post, and congratulatory messages for the win.
On her look, one person simply commented, “Gangster,” a somewhat fitting description of the tomboy-chic energy she delivered. “Let’s see the shelf with all your awards,” someone else commented.
Notably, earlier this year, Kehlani picked up two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song.
The ‘Folded’ Singer Offers A ‘Nice View’ In Red
On March 17, Kehlani announced her fifth studio album, “Kehlani,” with a scheduled release date of April 24, her 31st birthday.
The next day, she shared a provocative photo of herself with vinyl records and CDs spread across the floor. Wearing a red gown with an open-back design, she knelt and leaned forward to sign the covers, with her back to the camera.
Her tattooed back and arms, along with visible waist beads, added an edgy flair to the already seductive pose, sending fans into a frenzy. On the original Instagram post, one popular comment read, “The back has its own fanbase.” On X, another user described the shot simply as a “nice view.”
Kehlani Stuns In Leather Mini Dress
Before the album rollout, Kehlani hosted “Club Kehlani” listening parties in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.
For the LA party, she showed off her heavily tattooed body in a strapless leather mini dress in black and brown tones, embellished with silver studs, paired with rhinestone-studded knee-length boots.
In New York, she also kept a minimal look with a burgundy ensemble featuring a halter-neck top, a mini skirt, and a matching glossy coat. Fans loved each look, but several expressed disappointment at missing the events due to timing.
31 And Glowing
On April 24, Kehlani released her self-titled album and celebrated her 31st birthday. Instead of a traditional photoshoot, she shared a childhood photo of herself sitting in front of a keyboard, penning a heartfelt note to her younger self with the caption.
“I’m so proud you never gave up. I’m so honored to make this album for you,” she wrote, concluding with, “don’t stop thanking God. It’s all above us. Amen.”