After more than two decades of speculated rivalry, 90s R&B heavyweights Brandy and Monica have finally reunited on stage, bringing their highly anticipated co-headline tour to a packed Barclays Center in Brooklyn for a night that balanced spectacular vocal performances with occasional peculiarities.
A Theatrical Start to the Evening
The evening began with a knowing nod to their long-standing, though largely fabricated, feud. Emerging from a vintage elevator wearing sunglasses and scowling expressions, the duo launched into what appeared to be a sing-and-dance-off. They traded places, each performing a trio of classics while the other watched with apparent disdain.
This theatrical opening saw songs like What About Us? and Like This and Like That trimmed to just 90 seconds each, creating a variety show feel. However, the supposed animosity quickly dissolved as Brandy broke character to sway and sing along to Monica's performance of Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days), a showcase for Monica's signature raspy, soulful vocals.
Solo Sets Showcase Vocal Brilliance
The artists truly shone during their individual sets. Brandy, often referred to as the 'vocal Bible' by fans, demonstrated exactly why she earned that title. Her performance of the mid-tempo Full Moon was already challenging for most singers, but she further complicated it with additional octave-scaling runs and ad-libs.
She proved captivating during tightly choreographed performances of Afrodisiac and Who Is She 2 U, while also revealing her playful side. After Monica delivered a heartfelt speech about love, Brandy quickly interjected: 'She still can't swim!'
Monica brought her own brand of spectacle to the stage, adding Las Vegas-style camp to Street Symphony with shirtless male dancers and prop violins. Her performance of The First Night extended into a Diana Ross mashup that played off the song's Love Hangover sample. Perhaps most impressive was her stripped-down, belting rendition of Angel of Mine, where her pristine vocals filled the arena without need for razzle-dazzle.
Special Guests and Strange Interludes
The evening featured an impressive, if slightly perplexing, array of special guests. Alongside three opening acts – Kelly Rowland, Muni Long, and recent American Idol winner Jamal Roberts – the main show included surprise appearances from Ciara, who performed a brilliantly athletic four-song medley, plus Fat Joe, Tyrese and NYC cult rapper Max B.
Around three-quarters through the show, Fabolous strode onto stage to perform Into You, prompting Monica to beam: 'If you got time, we got time.' This generous approach to timing meant the show continued until 11.30pm on a school night.
Between acts, elaborate and strange video interludes punctuated the show's six segments. One featured Brandy and Monica as marionettes getting tied together in puppet strings, while others recapped their chart achievements as if introducing X Factor guests.
The production notably lacked live instruments, save for the organ accompanying Brandy's gorgeous rendition of the Never Say Never deep cut Put That on Everything.
A Triumphant Finale
Brandy and Monica reunited on stage for the finale, paying tribute to their mutual mentor Whitney Houston with a fun, loose cover of I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me). They closed the show, inevitably, with their iconic 1998 duet The Boy Is Mine.
On a stage filled with dry ice, the pair fully committed to the drama of their signature song – Brandy tossing her hair and stamping her feet while Monica pursed her lips and rolled her eyes. After a sometimes strange couple of hours, the reward was a sing-off for the ages, proving their partnership remains as compelling as ever.
The 32-date co-headline tour represents the biggest venues either artist has played in decades, demonstrating that their harmonious relationship – and undeniable talent – continues to resonate with fans a quarter-century after their supposed rivalry began.
