The Kia Forum transformed into a time capsule of R&B glory this weekend, as Brandy and Monica reunited for The Boy Is Mine Tour, a celebration decades in the making. Sunday night marked the final night of their Los Angeles stop, drawing fans from across the city eager to witness history. From surprise celebrity sightings to soulful vocals that could still stop a room, the night was a vivid reminder of why these two icons remain pillars of the genre.
Grammy-nominated Jamal Roberts opened the show, setting the tone for an evening rooted in soul and nostalgia, followed by Muni Long performing her hits like “Ruined Me,” “Hrs and Hrs,” “Superpower,” and her new single “Delulu.” She had recently stepped away from the tour’s Chicago and Kansas stops after being diagnosed with pneumonia, and she thanked the crowd for keeping her in their prayers during her recovery — creating a tender, triumphant moment that eased the audience into the night. But, it was Kelly Rowland who brought the crowd to their feet — delivering a powerhouse performance that bridged generations of R&B and reminded fans why she remains one of music’s most versatile voices.
When the lights dimmed for the headliners, the energy in the room shifted. Brandy and Monica emerged from behind two large doors labeled “B” and “M” as their intro visual finished playing, setting the tone for the reunion fans had waited decades to witness. The crowd screamed as the two icons took their places center stage, kicking off the night with a joint performance that instantly transported everyone back to the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
As the show unfolded, both artists took turns commanding the stage with solo sets that reflected their individual journeys and eras. Brandy later rose from beneath the stage on a platform accompanied by a lone pianist to perform “Brokenhearted,” her voice soaring with unmatched control.
One of the night’s most heartfelt moments came when Brandy and Monica paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston. Before the performance, a visual montage played on the big screens — photos and videos of a young Brandy and Monica meeting Houston in the 1990s, capturing their awe and admiration. As the final image faded, the two broke into an energetic rendition of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” transforming the Forum into a joyful celebration of Houston’s legacy. Fans danced, sang along and cheered through tears as Brandy and Monica honored the woman who inspired them both to pursue greatness.
Monica’s ATL-inspired set pulsed with swagger — complete with surprise appearances from O.T. Genasis for “Cut It” and LL Cool J for “Luv U Better.” She even had the original white sandals from her “Before You Walk Out of My Life” video on stage beside her, laughing as she pointed them out. This moment became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Fans screamed and pulled out their phones, eager to capture the nostalgia as Monica grinned and gestured toward the shoes — a nod to her 1995 debut era that instantly lit up social media.
“When are y’all gonna let go of these white shoes?” Monica joked, sending the crowd into laughter.
Mario joined the lineup later in the evening, calling R&B “the highlight of my life” after performing his hit “Let Me Love You.” He also teased his upcoming single “Coming Home,” earning cheers from fans who sang along to every note.
Throughout the night, the star power in the building reflected the depth of Brandy and Monica’s influence. Beyoncé and Jay-Z were among the many industry legends in attendance, joined by Rihanna, Queen Latifah and Jenifer Lewis. The Kia Forum felt less like a concert and more like a cultural homecoming — a night where Black Hollywood came together to celebrate two women whose music helped define a generation.
The night was about partnership. Despite years of public speculation around a rivalry, the chemistry between Brandy and Monica radiated warmth and respect. In one tender moment, the two sat together on the stairs as Brandy sang “Have You Ever” and Monica followed with “For You I Will.” Their exchange embodied the night’s unspoken message: sisterhood, healing and legacy.
Behind the seamless performances was choreographer J.R. Taylor, who described the creative vision in one word: nostalgia.
“This is music we grew up on,” he said. “Everything about it was just memories and fun. Every single song is tied to a moment — the soundtrack of our lives.” Taylor also revealed both artists were deeply involved in the choreography. Taylor said rehearsals were highly collaborative, with both artists contributing ideas and feedback in real time. “They were in there working — not just showing up for a run-through,” he explained, noting that every eight-count was shaped by their combined creativity.
“Brandy choreographed a lot of steps herself,” he said. “Monica came with strong ideas of what she wanted to see. It was a collaborative process, and that’s what made it special.”
For the fans, the night meant more than entertainment. Oronne Nwaneri, who attended both Inglewood shows, described the experience as a “middle school dream.” “They announced it, and I checked my savings account real quick,” she laughed. “This is childhood for me. I came twice because it’s that special.”
Her friend Stephan O’Shea shared how deeply personal the evening felt. “I came out of the womb saying Brandy,” he said with a smile. “Back in 1998, I was eight years old — too young to go to a concert. But God works in mysterious ways, and now I’m here for those who couldn’t be. This is for the ancestors, for the culture, for legacy.”
O’Shea, a survivor of the recent Altadena fires, said the night felt restorative. After losing much of what he owned in the Altadena fires, O’Shea said music became his refuge. He described Brandy and Monica’s performance as a healing experience, one that allowed him to release, reflect, and rebuild. He said the music brought him a calm he hadn’t felt in a long time, a reminder that joy can still exist after loss.
“Having this moment right now is grounding,” he said. “It feels like home — like I’m rebuilding through music.”
Moments like this revealed what the tour truly stood for restoration through rhythm and remembrance. The audience wasn’t just there to be entertained; they came to reconnect with a sound and spirit that shaped generations of Black culture. Brandy and Monica’s voices carried something familiar and sacred — the kind of healing that only happens when the community gathers in one place to celebrate itself.
Perhaps that’s why The Boy Is Mine Tour resonated far beyond nostalgia. It wasn’t just a throwback — it was a reunion for Black culture, artistry and healing.
As Brandy honored Aaliyah with “Who Is She to You,” and Monica reminded fans she’s “retired from kicking doors and smacking chicks,” the audience roared with laughter and love.
By the time the dancers began the closing of the show with freestyle solos, the Forum pulsed with joy. The freestyles wrapped the night with an electric burst of energy, leaving the audience on their feet. That same energy carried backstage, still humming as Taylor reflected on the show’s impact.
“It still feels surreal,” Taylor said of watching his choreography come alive. “You never get used to seeing your work on that stage.” When I spoke with Taylor after the show, he said the emotions were still fresh. Seeing the audience respond so deeply to the performance made every rehearsal, adjustment, and creative risk worth it. That energy, he said, reached its peak in the final moments of the night.
Brandy and Monica ended the night with the song that started it all — “The Boy Is Mine” — bringing the evening full circle and sending the crowd into a final eruption of applause.
In the end, the show was R&B itself, alive and thriving, reminding everyone that legacy doesn’t fade. It evolves, it heals and it sings on.