From the moment the lights dimmed inside VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, it was clear that Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine Tour” was more than a walk down memory lane—it was a masterclass in artistry, growth, and timeless R&B excellence. Presented by Black Promoters Collective, the Jacksonville stop marked the final night of “The Boy Is Mine Tour.
The evening opened with American Idol winner Jamal Roberts. Roberts gained national attention after winning the competition earlier this year, bringing fresh energy to the crowd ahead of the main acts.
A surprise appearance by Keyshia Cole, instantly sending the crowd into excitement. Her presence felt like an unexpected bonus that set the tone early. She delivered a strong, emotional set that reminded the audience why her music continues to connect, pairing familiarity with raw feeling in a way that felt authentic and earned.
Kelly Rowland followed with a performance that was energetic, intentional, and engaging from start to finish. From her vocals to her choreography, movement, and overall presentation, she was locked in the entire time. Every transition felt purposeful, and the momentum never dropped. One of the most meaningful moments came when her dancers paused to give her flowers on stage, a genuine show of appreciation that reflected the respect she commands.
Brandy and Monica then took the stage together and carried the remainder of the night in a back-and-forth format, trading songs one after the other. The exchange created a steady rhythm that kept the momentum going and highlighted both their individuality and their shared history. Rather than feeling like two separate sets, the format felt like a conversation between two artists whose careers have been intertwined for decades.
I knew who Monica was, but I was always a diehard Brandy fan. I grew up watching Moesha, so my connection to Brandy started before she fully stepped into her R&B career, and that loyalty stayed with me. I was first introduced to Monica through “Don’t Take It Personal,” and later through her collaboration with Brandy on “The Boy Is Mine.” While I appreciated Monica’s music, I never followed her as closely as I followed Brandy. Seeing them share the stage and trade songs throughout the night reminded me just how strong Monica’s presence is and how deep her music runs. I came in Team Brandy, but I’m walking away with a new respect for Monica — firmly in her orbit now.
Brandy’s performance was rooted in vocals first. There were no distractions, no overproduction — just her voice, steady and controlled, carrying the room. She sang. Really sang. While she added a little two-step here and there, the focus was never on movement or theatrics. It was about tone, control, and delivery. Songs like “I Wanna Be Down,” “Brokenhearted,” and “Have You Ever” reminded the audience why her voice has always been her strongest instrument. She didn’t need to do much to command the stage — her vocals did the work.
One element that deserves recognition is the work of the backup singers throughout the night. Monica and Kelly Rowland each brought their own vocalists, and the harmonies added depth, balance, and richness to the performances. The singers supported without overpowering, blending seamlessly while still standing out in their own right. Their contributions elevated the overall sound and reinforced how much live vocal support still matters in R&B performances.
From a production standpoint, the show moved smoothly from start to finish. The dancers were all male and brought strong energy, athletic movement, and full commitment to the stage. The lighting, sound effects, and pacing supported the performances without pulling focus away from the artists.
The biggest thing this concert reminded me of is how different music felt back in the ’90s compared to a lot of music today. Back then, when Brandy and Monica were coming up — and even when Keyshia Cole came out — the songs were about love. Showing love. Wanting love. Missing love. And even when somebody was hurt, it still felt like feelings, not revenge.
Today, a lot of the newer female singers and rappers are singing from a place of hurt and anger — clap back, payback, what they’ll do to you, how they’re moving after they’ve been done wrong. And I’m not judging anybody for telling their truth, but it’s a different energy.
This concert reminded me of a time when R&B was softer, real, and love-centered — and that’s why people still connect to it so deeply.
By the end of the night, it was clear this wasn’t about reliving the past — it was about reconnecting with it. The performances, the vocals, and the way the artists shared the stage reminded the audience why this music still holds meaning. It was intentional, emotional, and honest — and that’s why it still lands.
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