New Edition proved their enduring legacy with a high-energy performance at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles during Grammy weekend. Seeing all six members together on stage, more than forty years into their career, and playing to a packed house, was a powerful reminder of the lasting appeal of R&B and the group’s obvious passion for their music.
R&B legends Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton were great additions to the event, joining a group of established artists whose songs remain popular even now.
The audience at the Kia Forum showed just how much New Edition’s music continues to resonate with people of all ages. Many original fans brought their kids to enjoy the concert, while a new generation discovered the group through things like the 2017 BET miniseries about their story. The group’s fanbase has grown beyond those who first loved them, and this mix of longtime fans and new listeners created a celebratory, family-like atmosphere on Saturday night.
New Edition put on a high-energy show, with sharp, perfectly timed dancing that showed the impact of their early training and the guidance of Brooke Payne, their original manager and choreographer. They kicked off their almost three-hour concert with a brand new song, “Going Out Tonight,” and were joined by Braxton and Boyz II Men. This opening made it clear the tour celebrates the group’s history while also offering fans something fresh.
Instead of performing separate sets, the show felt like a non-stop mix of hits from New Edition, Toni Braxton, and Boyz II Men, with the artists constantly rotating on and off stage. New Edition was the main act, returning throughout the night, but also showcasing solo performances from Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill, plus a high-energy set from Bell Biv DeVoe – a reminder of just how many classic songs these artists have. The show’s pace was perfect for keeping the crowd energized, and it included the emotional ballads that define R&B. It felt like a musical journey through different eras, complete with a surprise performance of “Bump Bump Bump” by B2K during a short break.
Songs like “Can You Stand the Rain,” “Candy Girl,” and “Mr. Telephone Man” really showcased New Edition’s strong group dynamic. Despite their energetic dancing, they also seamlessly changed outfits throughout their performances, often wearing coordinated styles.
The evening flowed seamlessly, while still allowing everyone’s personalities to shine. A highlight was when Bobby Brown playfully acknowledged his reputation, saying, “Yeah, it’s me — the crazy one,” before performing “Every Little Step.” Everything felt perfectly timed, a clear sign of the group’s skill at putting on a great live show.
Ralph Tresvant’s solo was effortlessly smooth and captivating. Bobby Brown gave a truly impressive vocal performance, showcasing his incredible range. And Bell Biv DeVoe brought their signature cool style, perfectly mixing R&B and hip-hop – their performance of “Poison” still gets fans energized.
It might come as a surprise, but this is the first time New Edition and Boyz II Men are touring together. This is despite their history – Michael Bivins, who discovered Boyz II Men, has long connected the two groups. Though it’s taken decades, the timing for this tour feels perfect.
Boyz II Men – Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris, and Nathan Morris – still sound incredible after three decades, and you can feel their appreciation for a long and successful career. They honored those we’ve lost with a moving slideshow, then seamlessly transitioned into their hit songs “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” and “One Sweet Day” (performed this time without Mariah Carey, who was recently celebrated at the MusiCares gala). The entire stadium joined in, and it was clear they’ve carefully preserved the key to their success: their amazing voices.
Toni Braxton was the only solo performer and the sole female headliner on the tour. Known for her incredible voice, she’s become a major and respected figure in R&B. Her performance mixed emotional ballads with energetic songs, and the crowd especially loved it when Kayla Nicole joined her on stage for “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” Braxton also shared how thankful she was to still be performing, especially considering her health struggles. After being told a lupus diagnosis might stop her from performing, she confidently took the stage, moving and singing flawlessly.
Despite R&B music having evolved, Saturday’s concert demonstrated a strong continued demand for classic sounds – and proved it can still draw huge crowds. The show was a nostalgic trip for longtime fans, but also offered inspiration to the next generation of R&B artists and potential Grammy winners – including some well-known award winners in attendance – showcasing the genre’s potential when rooted in a strong musical base.
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2026-02-03 02:01