The Boy Is Mine Tour Brings Houston R&B Royalty, Reunion, and Rebirth
Photos by: Kevin Rawls
Houston transformed into a celebration of music and culture as fans filled the Toyota Center for one of the most stacked R&B lineups of the year. Produced by the Black Promoters Collective, The Boy Is Mine Tour brought generations together for a night rooted in nostalgia, sisterhood, and artistic rebirth. Brandy and Monica encouraged fans to dress for the occasion, calling for elevated 90s-inspired suits, sophistication, and power dressing to bring back the magic of showing up for concerts with intention. Houston delivered.
For years, Brandy and Monica were framed as rivals. This tour finally closes that chapter. Their relationship has matured, softened, and blossomed into mutual respect and support. Performing together has only strengthened their bond. The night revealed their true personalities and character, showing the world that what once divided them is now replaced by unity, intention, and evolution.
Between sets, DJ Fresh kept the energy high, spinning classic R&B hits that had the entire arena dancing and singing. His seamless transitions created smooth pacing between artists and tied the evening together with nostalgic rhythm.
Jamal Roberts Opens with Soul and Power
Photo Credit: Kevin Rawls
Jamal Roberts opened the night with a presence that instantly commanded attention. The reigning American Idol champion and Sunday Best finalist carried his Mississippi gospel roots into every note, performing an original song titled “Nothing Compares” before moving into crowd favorites like “Liar” by Jelly Roll and a tender rendition of Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart.” The audience erupted when he took his shirt off for a sensual performance of the late D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” then stepped into the crowd, handing out roses and singing “First Time “ by Teeks face-to-face with fans. By the end of his set, Jamal had turned a massive arena into an intimate moment and proved he is a powerhouse and a rising star to watch.
Keyshia Cole Fits Seamlessly Into the Lineup
Photo Credit: Kevin Rawls
Dressed in all black with long blonde hair cascading down her back, Keyshia Cole stormed the stage with a commanding presence. She opened with “Enough of No Love,” immediately delivering the raw emotion and clarity that fans have cherished for decades. She kept the momentum going with the crowd favorite “Let It Go,” transforming the arena into a massive sing-along.
Backed by two dancers, Keyshia brought both choreography and charisma, yet she did not need much else because her voice and energy filled the stage with ease. Between songs, she paused to thank Houston, expressing how deeply she loves the city for always showing her unwavering support. The sincerity in her voice only strengthened the connection in the room.
As she moved through her biggest hits, Keyshia performed with the joy of someone simply having fun with friends. It felt personal, nostalgic, and celebratory all at once. The highlight of her set came when the entire arena joined her in singing Love, creating a goosebumps moment that sent pure R&B emotion vibrating through the building.
Keyshia Cole was not just an opener. She was the perfect introduction to this iconic tour.
Houston Showers Kelly Rowland with Love in a Powerful Homecoming Performance
Photo Credit: Kevin Rawls
Kelly Rowland’s hometown return felt triumphant from the moment the lights dropped and the opening notes of “Motivation” filled the arena. It marked her first U.S. tour in fifteen years, and Houston greeted her with a roar. She stepped out in a striking red ensemble coated with a red fur jacket and topped with a regal hat that covered her face, a choice that added to the drama and anticipation of her reveal.
Backed by dancers and two background vocalists in coordinated red, Kelly delivered polished vocals and sharp choreography. Her production was visually impressive, with lighting that moved in perfect sync with her performance and elevated each moment. Behind her, nostalgic visual montages played throughout her set, guiding the audience through her evolution and highlighting key chapters of her career.
Kelly moved through favorites like “Kisses Down Low,” “Coffee,” “Ice,” and “Like This,” and her crisp dance breaks showcased her command of the stage. One of the most emotional moments came when she honored Destiny’s Child with a melody of “Independent Women Pt. 1” and “So Good,” followed by “Soldier,” “Cater 2 U,” and “Girl.” The arena erupted as fans sang every lyric, celebrating the legacy that began in Houston.
As her set came to a close, a montage of her most memorable moments played behind her. Kelly began singing Patti LaBelle’s “Love, Need and Want You” beautifully, blending it seamlessly into her Grammy-winning hit “Dilemma,” earning a full standing ovation.
Kelly Rowland’s homecoming was elegant, elevated, and unforgettable, reminding everyone why her presence in R&B remains so powerful.
Brandy and Monica Begin Together in Harmony
Brandy and Monica reentered the stage together for a joint opening that echoed a Verzuz battle, trading songs and energy as the arena erupted. They stayed onstage for one another’s opening moments, singing, laughing, and interacting with the crowd. It was symbolic. The past had dissolved. A new era had begun.
They then transitioned into their individual sets.
Brandy: The Vocal Bible in Full Mastery
Brandy opened her solo set with “What About Us?,” immediately electrifying the arena before moving into a run of back-to-back hits that showcased her decades-long impact. A highly decorated artist and one of the most influential voices in contemporary R&B, she has shaped the sound of an entire generation. She is your favorite singer’s singer, a blueprint of tone, layering, and vocal precision.
Styled in a black and white tailored suit with a Louis Vuitton jacket draped over her shoulders, she carried herself with elegance and intention. Every note reminded the audience why her influence continues to define R&B.
The arena fell silent when Brandy sat at the piano for intimate renditions of “He Is,” “Brokenhearted,” and “Put That on Everything.” With only her voice and the keys, she delivered a masterclass in emotion and technical control.
She returned with full force for “Baby,” “Sittin Up in My Room,” “Top of the World,” and “Angel in Disguise,” blending powerhouse vocals with warm humor and playful banter. This tour allowed her personality to shine in a new way, revealing joy and confidence that fans cherished. She also shouted out legendary creative director Frank Gatson, whose choreography and vision helped shape the tour’s polished feel.
Brandy’s set was a tapestry of legacy and musicianship, ending with a full circle moment as she reunited with Monica for The Boy Is Mine. Their smiles said everything. The narrative had shifted.
Photo Credit: Kevin Rawls
Monica: Elegance, Evolution, and Soft Girl Era Sophistication
Monica entered her set with confidence and grace, appearing first in a black cropped blazer and burgundy hair for Knock Knock and Don’t Take It Personal. She returned in a floor-length fur coat and sparkling gold bustier for upbeat favorites like “Like This and Like That,” “Everytime the Beat Drop,” “Love All Over Me,” “Trust,” and “Why I Love You So Much.” When she performed “So Gone,” the entire arena echoed every lyric.
She kept the night fun by repping Atlanta, hitting the “Take Me Thru There” and “Lean With It Rock With It” dances, and bringing out her daughter Laiyah, who danced proudly beside her. Monica then leaned into humor, holding up white sandals resembling the ones from the “Walk Out of My Life” video and joking with the crowd before transitioning into a deeper emotional space.
The show also highlighted her journey, resilience, and achievements across music, television, and Broadway. A montage played showing how the industry underestimated her early in her career. She then told the audience she was retiring, prompting an audible gasp, before clarifying that she is retiring from “pulling kicked doors” and” slapping” and just wants to “cross my legs” and be okay.” She credited the man she loves, Anthony, for changing her perspective, saying this real love is replacing “pain with pleasure and fear with faith, it’s just changed the way I view things, I’m a lot softer now.” Her joy was visible, and she looked grounded, glowing, and genuinely in love.
Photo Credit: Kevin Rawls
A Unified Finale of Sisterhood and Legacy
Photo Credit: Kevin Rawls
Brandy and Monica returned to the stage dressed in elegant white, stepping into a moment that immediately felt sacred. Their chemistry, laughing between songs, uplifting each other, and performing with genuine joy made the show feel warm and celebratory. Before continuing their sets, they paused to honor the incomparable Whitney Houston. As a tribute montage played, they spoke about her profound influence on their artistry and how they refuse to do a show without acknowledging the greatest singer of all time. Together, they lifted their voices for a heartfelt rendition of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” filling the arena with joy, reverence, and nostalgia.
They then slowed the night down, sitting side by side on barstools as they performed a medley of classics with harmonies so seamless the arena fell into a collective hush. A standout moment came when Monica sang “For You I Will,” and Brandy followed with “Have You Ever,” creating a rare and heartfelt moment fans will not soon forget. Their connection was warm, unforced, and deeply genuine, a reflection of two women who have rebuilt their relationship and now stand in true sisterhood.
The night closed on the iconic note everyone anticipated with “The Boy Is Mine.” Seeing Brandy and Monica smile, laugh, and walk offstage hand in hand felt like a full circle celebration of their legacy, influence, and renewed unity. Before exiting, they reaffirmed that their story is far from finished, reaffirming a joint Las Vegas residency in 2026.
The Black Promoters Collective once again delivered a show that was polished, punctual, and artistically curated at the highest level. From DJ Fresh’s seamless transitions to the elevated production, powerful lighting, and powerhouse performances, the night honored everything that makes R&B timeless, blending nostalgia, artistry, and intention into an experience Houston will not forget.
Brandy and Monica The Boy Is Mine Tour Photo Gallery
