After 17 years in the game, Jason Derulo has reached a point where looking back feels just as important as moving forward. That tension sits at the center of “The Last Dance”, a project he describes as both a celebration of his career so far and the start of something new.

The title alone raises eyebrows, and he knows it. “The title stemmed from me actually thinking those thoughts of retiring and not doing music anymore,” he says. “I was just like, ‘What are you talking about?’ The music is your passion.”

Those thoughts didn’t last long, but they did spark a bigger idea. Instead of walking away, Derulo decided to mark the end of an era on his own terms. “The Last Dance” is split into two parts, with the first half focused on where he’s been and the second set to introduce his next chapter.

“I thought it could be a really cool play on ending an era and starting a new one,” he explains. “As I grow as a man, naturally, the music changes.”

That growth shows up in the sound. The first part of the album leans into nostalgia without living in it. The “In My Head” singer taps into the energy of his earlier work while pulling in what he’s excited about now. Songs like “Complicated” merge familiar melodies with Afrobeat and Afro house influences, a genre he says is at the top of his list right now.

“Utilizing that song, which was one of my favorite songs growing up, and marrying it with Afrobeat… and putting my story on top of it,” he says, “that mash-up gives you that nostalgic feel.”

For Derulo, having complete control over the album was just as important as the sound itself. As the project’s executive producer, he approached the music without the pressure he felt earlier in his career.

“There’s no real ‘I need to pay my bills’ pressure anymore,” he says. “I just want to give an offering to the world.”

That mindset comes from years of seeing how his music has shown up in people’s lives. He lights up when he talks about fans who’ve used his songs for proposals, for healing after breakups, or simply to get through challenging moments. “Those kinds of moments are my favorite moments,” he says. “How do I share my light to help somebody heal or make somebody’s day a little brighter?”

That intention also carries into his upcoming tour, which he says will be the biggest he’s ever done. He’s already asking fans to come dressed in futuristic, metallic looks to help set the tone.

“I’ve never had people dress up on my tour,” he says. “I’m excited to have the whole room be the vibe.”

With 17 years of hits to choose from, he’s mindful about how he builds his set list. “I always try to look at things as a fan,” he says. “I don’t like going to concerts where they’re just playing songs I don’t know.”

Expect a full walk-through of his catalog, with new music woven in alongside the records that made him a staple.

As someone who’s also found massive success on TikTok, he doesn’t shy away from conversations about how social media fits into today’s music industry. His advice to artists is simple: adapt.

“A real artist is someone that can move with the time,” he says. “The world changes. You’ve got to be able to bend as the world moves and shakes.”

For Derulo, “The Last Dance” isn’t about aiming down but about acknowledging the journey, staying present, and stepping into the next phase with intention. The music may change, but the purpose stays the same: making records that connect him to the fans.