The Flamed Up Tour hits the Voodoo Room on April 23rd — and this is one you’ll be talking about for years.
Some artists have a moment. And then there are artists who are clearly built for the long run. JayDon is 18 years old, signed to Usher and L.A. Reid’s label, has already earned a co-sign verse from the King of R&B himself, and is headlining his very first tour right now. On Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, he brings the Flamed Up Tour to the Voodoo Room at House of Blues San Diego — and San Diego gets to be part of the story from the very beginning.
Who Is JayDon?
If the name JD McCrary rings a bell, that’s because you already know him. JayDon Howard McCrary — born July 18, 2007 — starred in The Lion King (2019) as the voice of young Simba, played Kenny Payne in The Paynes, and at age 9 performed alongside Childish Gambino at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. But the rebrand to JayDon isn’t just a name change. It’s a new era — and it’s clear from the music that he’s arrived.
At 10 years old, he was the youngest male solo artist to sign with Disney/Hollywood Records. Now at 18, he has signed a deal with Usher and L.A. Reid’s label Mega in partnership with Larry Jackson’s Gamma. The trajectory of this young man’s career is something else entirely.
The Sound: ’90s R&B Soul With a Gen Z Edge
JayDon isn’t just a talented kid — he’s a complete artist. Vocals, dancing, songwriting. All of it. His music is drenched in ’90s and early-2000s R&B nostalgia, with tracks like “I’ll Be Good” and “Lullaby” having both Gen Z fans and millennials swooning. And when he’s not melting hearts with buttery vocals, it’s his hypnotic dance moves — reminiscent of a young Chris Brown or Omarion — that are filling timelines and turning heads.
He doesn’t fake the influence either. In his own words: “I feel like if you put me back in time, I’d belong there. It’s a natural thing for me.” His inspirations range from Sam Cooke and Donnie Hathaway all the way to Chris Brown, Usher, and Miguel — and you can genuinely hear all of it in his music.
Start Here: Watch “I’ll Be Good”
Before you do anything else, press play on this. “I’ll Be Good” is built around a sample of Usher’s “How Do I Say,” filled with flecks of Spanish guitar and hip-hop drums, punctuated by JayDon’s acrobatic vocal runs and culminating with a climactic key change. The music video harkens back to the ’00s-era dance movie boom — JayDon rushing across town to meet his dance partner, working on elaborate choreography and kindling crackling chemistry.It’s the kind of video that makes you feel something from the first thirty seconds.
“Lullaby” — The Song That Put Him On
“Lullaby” is an R&B ballad that finds JayDon singing about a girl who brings him comfort, comparing her to a lullaby. The music video was directed by Maseo Refuerzo — JayDon dances against an azure backdrop in a way that’s impossible to look away from.
The song took on a whole new life when Usher stepped in for the “Lullaby (mega remix),” delivering one of his trademark deeply confessional verses while JayDon elevated his vocal performance to match his mentor’s intensity. Described as a symbolic passing of the torch, Usher actively used his platform to bring real R&B back through this record.
When Usher hops on your remix and calls it a torch-passing moment — that’s not press talk. That’s the real thing.
The Label Co-Sign Is As Real As It Gets
L.A. Reid put it plainly: “JayDon is a generational rarity and an entertainment phenomenon with musical brilliance evident from his earliest days. We are thrilled to support his promising career as he begins this new chapter with us at mega.” Rated R&B
L.A. Reid has discovered more R&B icons than almost anyone in the industry. When he says “generational rarity,” he means it.
JayDon reflected on the experience: “Being with Mega — L.A. Reid, Usher, and that whole camp — helped me develop as an artist substantially. I’ve learned the ins and outs of stardom — what to look for, what to pay attention to, and studio etiquette. That was my first time being in the studio every day, back-to-back for months. Like six months straight. Twelve to fifteen hours a day.” Billboard
That level of dedication at 18 years old, under the mentorship of two of the greatest figures in R&B history, is exactly why this kid is built different.
His First Headlining Tour — And San Diego Is the Final Stop
JayDon announced the Flamed Up Tour as a milestone moment: “Headlining my first tour is a huge milestone for me and it feels like a real shift in my career. When my first show sold out, I knew it wasn’t just a moment — it was momentum, and I knew it was time to build something bigger and do a proper tour.” Rated R&B
He’s been locked in with rehearsals, vocals, and choreography, making sure every detail hits because he wants this to feel intentional, elevated, and like a true statement for his fans. Rated R&B
The tour kicked off in Atlanta and winds through Washington D.C., Brooklyn, Chicago, and San Francisco before closing out in San Diego on April 23rd. The Voodoo Room at House of Blues is the final stop. You’re not just going to a show — you’re witnessing the last night of a historic first run.
Get your tickets for JayDon: Flamed Up at House of Blues San Diego →
Tips for Your Night at the House of Blues Voodoo Room
The Voodoo Room is one of the most intimate spaces in San Diego’s live music scene — and for a show like this, that’s everything.
The Address House of Blues San Diego is located at 1055 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 — right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.
Doors at 7PM, Show at 8PM Get there when doors open. The Voodoo Room is a small, close-to-the-stage experience. Early arrival means the best views, shorter bar lines, and more time to soak in the atmosphere before the lights go down.
Parking in the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter has multiple parking structures nearby. Your best bets are the 6th & K Parkade and the 5th & K Parkade, both within a few blocks. Rideshare drop-off is seamless on 5th Ave right in front of the venue — honestly, the easiest option on a Thursday night.
Dinner Before the Show The Gaslamp is one of San Diego’s best dining neighborhoods. Get there early and grab a meal on the block — you’ve got everything from rooftop spots to late-night bites within walking distance of the venue.
This Is a Small Room — It Will Sell Out The Voodoo Room holds a fraction of what a traditional concert venue does. There is no “I’ll just get tickets at the door” energy here. Secure your tickets in advance.
Dress the Vibe This is an R&B show at a seated-to-standing intimate venue. Dress like you know where you’re going. You’ll thank yourself later.
San Diego, Don’t Let This One Pass You By
JayDon is 18 years old, has Usher and L.A. Reid in his corner, just released his debut project, and is closing out his first headlining tour in our city. A decade from now, people are going to ask where you were when they first heard him live. Make sure you have an answer.
Click here to get your tickets — JayDon: Flamed Up at House of Blues San Diego, April 23rd.
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