When R&B songstress Dondria took the stage at the Kessler Theater on October 18 for her Back to Love Tour, the room filled with a kind of warmth only homegrown artistry can bring. The North Texas–raised R&B singer, known for her 2010 breakout single “You’re the One,” has come a long way since her YouTube discovery by Jermaine Dupri nearly two decades ago. Yet on this night, as she performed in front of an audience of family, friends, and longtime fans, she made it clear that her roots still run deep in Dallas soil.
The Back to Love Tour, in support of her upcoming five-song EP of the same name, marks Dondria’s first-ever headlining run, and it feels like a homecoming in more ways than one. The setlist—an intentional mix of nostalgic favorites and new material—showcased an artist who’s both seasoned and still evolving. Her voice, grounded in gospel yet refined by years of R&B craftsmanship, filled the venue with a soulful ease that invited the crowd into her world.
From A Background In The Church
In a post-show conversation with Dallas Weekly and Music Mpulse Podcast, Dondria reflected on how her Black church upbringing continues to shape her sound. “My foundation with gospel music and what I call authentic R&B has shaped my sound so much,” she said. “I grew up listening to the Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, and the Winans. That’s literally the blueprint of myself.”
That spiritual foundation was palpable throughout her performance. Each song carried an undercurrent of testimony—raw, honest, and rooted in love. When she performed tracks from Back to Love, her delivery was both tender and powerful, balancing vulnerability with confidence. The project, she said, reflects a new stage of artistic maturity. “The content is a direct reflection of where I am in life,” she explained. “Now, it’s like I’m writing it. Sound-wise, I feel like I’m just getting into my stride—this is my chapter.”
Miss Independent
That sense of creative freedom is partly the result of her transition from being signed to a major label to becoming an independent artist—a move that’s redefined how she approaches her craft. “Because I’ve been with a major label, I know and remember how the system moved,” she said. “There are things people dislike about that structure, but I took the business sense and intention from it. I’ve been planning my butt off, being as meticulous as possible to make sure my vision is manifested exactly how I see it.”
That intentionality was evident in the details of the Dallas performance—from the precise lighting cues that elevated emotional moments, to the live band’s seamless transitions between songs that spanned the range of her career. It was a carefully crafted show, but one that never lost its intimacy.
Dondria’s Love For Dallas
For Dondria, performing in Dallas was more than a tour stop—it was a full-circle moment. “Dallas has always been a hidden gem when it comes to creatives,” she said. “I’m forever inspired by Dallas artists and Dallas music. A lot of my friends and family still live here, and they’re still creating.”
By the night’s end, the audience’s standing ovation confirmed that the feeling is mutual. With Back to Love, Dondria isn’t just revisiting her roots—she’s reaffirming them. The performance proved that her journey from YouTube discovery to independent R&B force has been one of evolution, faith, and above all, heart…