Photos: Courtesy of “The Boy is Mine” tour
Detroit’s ’90s R&B faithful showed up in full force Saturday night, Nov. 29, undeterred by the frigid cold and steady snowfall, as a lineup of talented female vocalists took over Little Caesars Arena. Headliners Brandy and Monica reunited on a tour named after their iconic duet “The Boy Is Mine” and delivered a dynamic performance supported by openers that included Jamal Roberts, Mya and Kelly Rowland.
Despite the weather, Detroit concert goers (mostly made up of ladies and couples) arrived dressed to impress, showcasing style and plenty of statement boots built for both fashion and trudging through the three inches of snow that fell.
Right on schedule just after 8 p.m., American Idol winner Jamal Roberts opened the night followed by Mya, stepping in for Muni Long, who departed the tour due to illness. Mya, born in Washington D.C, broke through in the late ’90s. She wasted no time igniting the audience. While she may not possess the extensive hit catalog of the headliners, her reputation as a seasoned vocalist and performer was evident.
Her set highlighted a career spanning more than two decades, performing fan favorites and memorable collaborations including “Ghetto Superstar,” “Take Me There,” and “Lady Marmalade,” the latter of which earned a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration. Dressed in a navy-blue satin two-piece with a matching top hat and sparkling silver knee-high boots, she moved effortlessly across the stage. Before exiting, she made a few fans’ night by handing out a vinyl album, a poster, and a CD.
Kelly Rowland followed, bringing a sultry confidence and a polished stage presence. She rose to fame for her vocals as part of the hit girl group Destiny’s Child. The crowd lit up as she moved through her solo hits “Dilemma”, which she collaborated on with Nelly, as well as “Motivation” and a selection of Destiny’s Child classics like “Soldier” and “Cater 2 U.”
Her look for the evening was bold. Wearing a black two-piece bra and shorts set paired with dramatic thigh high pants legs that were open exposing the top of her legs. Rowland’s authenticity resonated as she greeted the crowd with a spirited “What up doe, Detroit?!” Supported by four male dancers and two background vocalists, she kept the arena buzzing through each seamless transition.
Following a brief intermission of less than 15 minutes, the arena lights dimmed and anticipation thickened. On the big screen, Brandy and Monica appeared entering an elevator, its doors closing, and the car rising in the video. Simultaneously, a mock elevator ascended from beneath the center stage, and when its doors opened, the duo emerged in coordinated black and white ensembles and sunglasses, holding still as the crowd erupted.
Act I: “Brandy vs. Monica” kicked off with Brandy’s “What About Us,” followed by Monica’s “Knock Knock.” The two rotated songs in a playful, versus-style format that set the tone for an inventive multi-act performance.
Act II & III: Solo Spotlights started with Brandy claiming the stage first, delivering several staples including “Full Moon” and “Right Here (Departed).” After her exit, Monica took command for Act III, opening with “Street Symphony” in a fresh wardrobe change.
She soon shifted the energy, transforming the arena into a full-on party. Highlighting her Atlanta roots front and center, Monica powered through club hits “Everytime Tha Beat Drop,” “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It,” and “Take Me Thru Dere.”
Detroit got a special treat when Monica welcomed a few hometown artists to the stage. Kash Doll performed “Kash Kommandments,” followed by appearances from Skilla Baby and Icewear Vezzo, each adding local pride and hype to the night.
Act IV: A Ballad Showcase offered a softer tone. Brandy returned first, seated beside a pianist as she delivered emotional cuts including “Brokenhearted.” Monica soon emerged in another new outfit, continuing the soulful theme with fan favorites such as “Why I Love You So Much.”
Act V: Brandy vs Monica Part II featured a friendly musical face-off once again, with both artists now in all black attire. Brandy lifted the energy with “Sittin’ Up in My Room” and “Top of the World,” while Monica countered with classics including “Before You Walk Out of My Life” and “So Gone.”
Act VI: Angels brought both singers back onstage in striking all white outfits. Brandy opened with “Angel in Disguise,” followed by Monica’s popular song “Angel of Mine.” The duo united for a heartfelt tribute to Whitney Houston with “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” honoring a shared mentor and friend who sparked inspiration to both in the early parts of their careers.
This act also spotlighted the tour’s roughly ten male dancers, each introduced and given a moment to perform a freestyle routine, an energetic showcase that drew cheers throughout the arena.
As the stage cleared, Brandy and Monica rose once more from beneath the stage, now in new black outfits. From opposite sides, they joined together for the grand finale, the long-awaited performance of “The Boy Is Mine.” The arena roared as the two delivered the defining duet of their careers. As they ended the night, they expressed gratitude to Detroit fans for continuous support of them.
The 32-city tour, which was produced by the Black Promoters Collective, was announced in June 2025 and marks the first co-headlining run for Brandy and Monica, 25 years after their chart-topping duet made history. The tour is scheduled to conclude December 14 in Jacksonville, Florida.
