Can a 25-year-old feud sell tickets? Apparently, yes! The supposed rivalry between R&B queens Brandy and Monica has been the stuff of legend ever since their iconic 1998 duet, "The Boy Is Mine." But here's the thing: are they really enemies? Despite years of speculation, these music icons insist their relationship is now harmonious, even poking fun at the drama in a recent Dunkin' advertisement where they hilariously squabble over a frappe. This begs the question: did the public create a feud that never truly existed?
Their 'sisterhood,' as they call it, has paved the way for them to perform in their biggest venues in decades. Imagine this: the concert starts with Brandy and Monica emerging from a vintage elevator, sunglasses on, sporting scowls – a clear nod to the perceived rivalry. They launch into a playful sing-and-dance-off, each performing three of their classic hits while the other watches with mock disdain. It's almost like a variety show segment, especially since some songs, like "What About Us?" and "Like This and Like That," are trimmed to just 90 seconds. But despite the staged animosity, their genuine camaraderie shines through. Brandy can't help but sway and sing along during Monica's performance of "Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days)," a song showcasing Monica's soulful vocals and signature 'gun fingers' pointed at the audience.
And this is the part most people miss: While the duet showdown is entertaining, Brandy and Monica truly shine during their individual sets. Brandy, rightfully dubbed the "vocal Bible," takes her already-challenging mid-tempo hit, "Full Moon," to another level. She effortlessly adds extra octave-scaling runs and ad-libs, leaving the audience in awe. Her tightly choreographed performances of "Afrodisiac" and "Who Is She 2 U" are captivating. She even playfully teases Monica, acting like a sassy sibling. After Monica delivers a heartfelt speech about love, Brandy's eyebrows shoot up, and she quips, "She still can't swim!"
One might expect a full band for such a large performance, but surprisingly, live instruments were scarce, save for the organ accompanying Brandy's rendition of the deep cut "Put That on Everything." This didn't stop Monica from bringing a touch of Las Vegas flair to "Street Symphony," complete with shirtless male dancers and prop violins. She even transforms "The First Night" into a Diana Ross mashup, playing off the song's "Love Hangover" sample with hip-hop moves and a shiny cane. But razzle-dazzle isn't always necessary. Her stripped-down, belting rendition of "Angel of Mine" fills the arena, showcasing her pristine vocals and the song's tender yet assertive nature.
But here's where it gets controversial... The show features elaborate video interludes between acts, some of which are quite strange. One depicts Brandy and Monica as marionettes tangled in puppet strings, while others recap their chart achievements and memorable videos. Are these interludes creative and engaging, or do they distract from the musical performances? In addition to three opening acts (Kelly Rowland, Muni Long, and Jamal Roberts), the show also features a slightly perplexing array of special guests, including Ciara, Fat Joe, Tyrese, and Max B. As Fabolous takes the stage to perform "Into You" around 11:30 PM, Monica declares, "If you got time, we got time!" But is this abundance of performances a treat for the audience, or does it drag the show on for too long?
Finally, Brandy and Monica reunite on stage. In a tribute to Whitney Houston, who mentored them both, they perform a fun, loose cover of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)." The show culminates with, of course, "The Boy Is Mine." Amidst dry ice, the pair fully embraces the theatrics, with Brandy tossing her hair and stamping her feet, while Monica purses her lips and rolls her eyes. It's been a winding road to get here, but the payoff is a sing-off for the ages.
Ultimately, the show is a celebration of two iconic artists and their enduring music. But does the manufactured drama and the lengthy runtime detract from the overall experience? Did the special guests enhance the show, or were they unnecessary additions? And most importantly, after all these years, are you Team Brandy or Team Monica?
