Brandy, Monica shut down Nashville with epic show on ‘The Boy is Mine’ Tour

Music icons Brandy and Monica brought down the house at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 24, as they co-headlined “The Boy Is Mine” Tour – 25 years after releasing their chart-topping R&B duet of the same name.

The show kicked off just after 8 p.m. with “American Idol” star Jamal Roberts, who set the tone for a soulful yet high-energy night. R&B singer Muni Long followed, delivering viral hits, including her 2022 ballad “Time Machine,” where she sings, “I wish I had a time machine.” And for many in the crowd, it felt like that wish came true, as the night transported fans back to R&B’s defining era.

During her set, Long also made sure to pay tribute to Grammy-winning singer and neo-soul pioneer D’Angelo, who recently died at the age of 51, following a battle with cancer.

Nashville-bred singer Coco Jones closed the opening acts, showcasing her moves and vocals with fan favorites that had the crowd cheering.

Even before the headliners hit the stage, the energy in the arena could have easily been mistaken for a lively Broadway karaoke night, as nearly all guests sang along on their feet to the emotionally charged jams. The DJ kept the momentum alive, mixing in new viral hits like Bankroll Ni’s “I’m So ATL” and Breskii and YKNIECE’s internet sensation “Take Me Thru Dere.”

At 9:55 p.m., the dynamic duo – Brandy and Monica – hit the stage together, donning shades and taking turns singing their throwback hits such as “What about Us?” (2002), “I Wanna Be Down” (1994), and Monica’s 1994 hit “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days).

The night flowed with throwback hits and videos, from slow jams to ’90s and 2000s classics like “Smile for Me Daddy.” At one point, the duo paused to honor those who shaped their careers, with both sharing a special tribute to Whitney Houston.

The night became even more memorable when fans learned that it marked Monica’s birthday.

“Nashville, we love you,” Monica told the crowd. “Today is my 45th birthday and there’s no other place I’d rather be than here with y’all,” she added.

Not only did she receive a cake and balloons onstage, but Brandy also led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to her.

“I’ve been going through a lot the last six months, and this really made my year,” said Doris Crutcher, 60, who drove to see the show from Huntsville, Alabama.

The ladies, of course, closed out the show with their cultural classic “The Boy Is Mine,” which spent 13 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and cemented its place as a late ’90s R&B staple.

The tour heads back to Chicago on Oct. 25.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Brandy, Monica set Nashville ablaze on ‘The Boy Is Mine’ tour