Ella Mai wonders ‘Do You Still Love Me?’

We headed over to WaMu Theater for Ella Mai’s ‘Do You Still Love Me?‘ tour stop in Seattle, which had just kicked off a few days before. It had been three years since she last toured, and the anticipation was clear from the moment people began filling the venue. Ella Mai has become one of the most defining voices in contemporary R&B, known for her smooth tone, emotional storytelling, and the kind of songwriting that feels both intimate and universal. Born in London and raised between the United Kingdom and New York, she first broke through with her self-titled debut album, which produced “Boo’d Up” and “Trip,” two songs that reshaped the sound of modern R&B and earned her Grammy recognition. Her follow up album Heart on My Sleeve continued her rise with a more mature and confident sound and her newest record Do You Still Love Me? has already become a favorite among fans for its vulnerability and warmth.

We arrived in time to catch Ama, an artist who has been gaining a lot of attention and momentum. Ama is part of a new wave of British R&B and soul artists coming out of London, blending atmospheric production with sharp lyricism and a voice that carries both softness and strength. Her sophomore self-titled album, has been praised for its emotional clarity and modern production, positioning her as one of the most exciting new artists in the genre. The fact that Drake stated that Ama was one of the main influences for his album Scorpion is enough of a compliment of the artist she is.

She stood alone in front of the stage curtains, performing with playback tracks and filling the room with a confident presence. Her voice sounded great and her energy set the tone for the night. She mentioned that she is from North London and introduced a song she wrote about home, performing it without playback and leaning into a freestyle style that immediately drew the crowd in. It was one of the most compelling moments of her set, a glimpse into her artistry without any production behind her.

Ama then introduced “Ride or Die,” which she said is her favorite song from her new album. For her final song, she asked for the lights to dim and performed “Aura” under a soft blue glow. It was a beautiful closer and a reminder that she is an artist who will likely return soon for her own headlining show. Ama’s set felt like catching someone right before their breakthrough, and it was exciting to witness that energy live.

After a short break, the lights shifted and the crowd’s attention focused on the stage as the black curtain opened. Ella Mai appeared on a chaise lounge under a moody spotlight, a visual echo of her album cover. She looked ethereal, her voice floating through the room as she performed the first couple songs from the top of the stage. The set design was simple and elegant, resembling an outdoor yard scene. The drummer sat in what looked like a small solo garden, surrounded by greenery, while her four musicians and two backup singers created a warm and textured sound around her.

After a couple of songs, she stood up and walked down the stairs to the main stage, immediately connecting with the audience. At one point she paused to speak to her fans, saying that she likes coming to Seattle because it reminds her of London with its rain and greenery. She laughed and said that the thunderstorm earlier in the day did not disappoint. She asked if there were any first day Ella Mai fans in the room and introduced “Not Another Love Song,” which the crowd welcomed with cheers. It was clear that people had been waiting for this moment, and the energy in the room shifted into full engagement.

One of the highlights of the night came when she performed “Naked.” She sat on a high stool with a large spotlight fixture shining down on her, creating a moment that felt deeply personal. The crowd sang along, and many people turned on their phone lights for the final chorus. It was magical, and a visual image that was very pleasing.

Ella Mai was magnetic and captivating throughout the entire set. As the end neared and she went into her bigger hits “Boo’d Up,” “Trip,” and “Little Things” you could feel the room’s energy increase. Her voice was effortless, her presence warm, and her connection to the audience genuine. It is easy to see why she is so loved by her fans and why she continues to level up with each new project. Make sure to catch her if she comes through your city.