Some artists are remembered for their chart-topping hits. Others are remembered for the way they make people feel. CeCe Peniston is one of the rare performers who has accomplished both.
As she returns to the stage for 103.5 KTU’s Beatstock, fans won’t just be welcoming back one of dance music’s most beloved voices—they’ll be celebrating a woman whose warmth, humility and genuine appreciation for her audience have remained unchanged throughout her remarkable career. Despite decades of success and timeless anthems that continue to fill dance floors around the world, CeCe has never lost sight of the people who have supported her every step of the way.
Whether she’s performing for thousands or taking time to greet fans one-on-one, CeCe’s kindness shines as brightly as her unmistakable voice. She approaches every performance with gratitude, treating each audience as if they’re family. It’s that sincerity, coupled with her extraordinary talent, that has earned her not only lasting success but also the enduring love and respect of generations of fans.
At Beatstock, expect more than a performance. Expect a heartfelt celebration from an artist who continues to prove that true greatness isn’t measured only by hit records—it’s measured by the love you give and the love you receive. CeCe Peniston makes every appearance a reminder of why she remains one of dance music’s most treasured icons.
INTERVIEW >>>
Beatstock brings together so many legendary artists from the golden era of dance music. What excites you the most about sharing the stage with your fellow hitmakers, and what can fans expect from your performance?
The thing that I like the most is when you do shows with your peers. You are also a fan of their work and they’re probably a fan of yours. There are 30 different artists on the bill, I heard. This is amazing to have that many people on the bill. What fans can expect from me is, I have a full show with dancers. I have four dancers that will be sharing the stage with me. We are going to bring all kinds of good energy.
Your anthem “Finally” continues to fill dance floors 35 years after its release. What does it feel like to perform that song today for audiences that now span multiple generations?
It’s so exciting because, you know, all I can say is a whole new generation of people get to learn your song and I never thought it would move the way it did. You have an idea when you’re younger, you’re moving around the world and everything is moving at such a fast pace. You’re thinking, ‘This is really doing a great job’. And your song is standing this test of time. Basically, it’s 2026 and it’s still standing the test of time. It’s nice to have a catalogue that people still want to hear or that creates memories for people and they share those memories with me at different times. So it’s a beautiful thing.
It’s a “love thang,”lol! KTU listeners have supported your music from the very beginning. The energy at a KTU concert is unlike almost anywhere else. Is there a favorite New York concert memory or fan interaction that has stayed with you over the years?
There was a KTU show that I did. It was a radio show and it was memorable because the crowd was amazing, there was good energy. I walked away from that show like, ‘Yeah, that was it’. The thing about it is ‘Finally’ came out and did its thing…but when ‘Keep On Walkin’’ came out, it didn’t stop. So it’s amazing when those moments are still relevant to this very day. It was probably 2018, when I was doing back-to-back shows in New York. So it’s been an amazing experience, continuing to move forward with performances in New York. Having great audiences like Radio City Music Hall, which is another great memory for me. Lisa Lisa was on the bill, Mase was on the bill, the Cover Girls, Bobby Brown…that was a great show.
Dance music is experiencing another huge resurgence, with younger audiences discovering these classic hits. Why do you think songs like ‘Finally’ continue to resonate, and what message do you hope fans leave with after seeing you live at Beatstock?
I think because they are still good songs. It’s still good music that people wanna hear. It makes you move. What I noticed now is in rap, they’re taking dance songs and slowing them down and making them work. Or people are redoing the music from me, from Crystal, from Robin S., even Ultra–I’ve heard recently something with her too. I think that all these different remixes, all the different interpretations, add to making it an amazing experience for people. It’s nostalgia, as well. I hope the message that people take with them after this concert is that I love my audience. How much I love the fans and that I’m here for them.
That’s probably the greatest answer you could give. Is there anything else you wanna add?
I want to thank KTU for booking me because you know they don’t have to.
Yes, they do!!!
