Fans were caught off guard Saturday night (Oct. 18) when Brandy made an unexpected exit from the stage during her The Boy Is Mine Tour stop at Chicago’s United Center. She had been performing alongside Monica, but her early departure meant the crowd didn’t get to see the two R&B icons perform their massive 1998 hit, “The Boy Is Mine,” which spent 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The next day, Brandy took to Instagram to let fans know what happened—and to clear up any concerns.
“To my dear fans in Chicago,” she began, “thank you all for the overwhelming love, support, and—most importantly—your prayers. I sincerely apologize for the abrupt end to last night’s performance. After weeks of nonstop rehearsals, I experienced dehydration and felt like I might faint. Everyone involved agreed that my health needed to come first.”
Brandy said she actually tried to return to the stage despite feeling unwell, but technical issues made it tough to continue.
“I made the decision to try and come back and give it my all,” she explained. “But because the show is so technical, it was impossible to fully connect with the production. I really appreciate everyone’s best efforts.”
She also gave a heartfelt shout-out to Monica, who finished the show with professionalism and grace.
“I’m deeply grateful to my sister, Monica, for stepping up with such grace and professionalism,” Brandy added, “and to our entire crew for their continued care and support.”
Brandy shared that she saw a doctor immediately after leaving the arena and is already on the mend.
“I went from the arena to see a doctor nearby and have taken the proper precautions moving forward,” she wrote. “Your understanding, patience, and unwavering belief mean the world to me. I look forward to returning to the stage—stronger and more grateful than ever—alongside my girl, Monica, tonight in Indianapolis.”
After the Indianapolis show on Oct. 19, the pair will take a short three-day break before hitting the stage again in Nashville on Oct. 24. The Boy Is Mine Tour continues through Dec. 14, wrapping up in Jacksonville, Florida.
