The Surprising Inspiration Behind Brandy and Monica's Hit Song "The Boy is Mine"
- Jermy Johnson
- Jun 27
- 2 min read

Brandy and Monica's 1998 hit single "The Boy is Mine" is one of the most iconic R&B duets of all time. The song topped the charts and cemented the singers' status as two of the biggest stars in the genre. However, the origins of this classic track may surprise many fans. In a recent interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Brandy and Monica revealed that "The Boy is Mine" was actually inspired by the controversial Jerry Springer show.
The Jerry Springer Inspiration
During the interview, Brandy explained how she was a huge fan of the Jerry Springer show, which often featured dramatic segments about women fighting over the same man. "I was a huge Jerry Springer fan," Brandy said. "One of the topics was 'The boy is mine,' and I'm like, 'Oh my God. Song idea. Let's do this'."
Monica corroborated Brandy's story, adding that the two singers were planning to hit the studio to record new music together when the "The Boy is Mine" idea came to them. "We'll start working on some music immediately," Monica revealed. "Then we can just be promoting it when we're on the road."
The Music Video's Nod to Jerry Springer
The music video for "The Boy is Mine" also nods to the song's surprising origins. The video opens with Brandy watching an episode of The Jerry Springer Show, further cementing the connection between the hit song and the controversial talk show.
A Legendary Collaboration
Despite the unexpected inspiration, "The Boy is Mine" went on to become one of the biggest hits of Brandy and Monica's careers. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 13 weeks and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The two singers have maintained a close relationship over the years, and recently announced plans for a reunion tour. As they prepare to hit the road together, Brandy and Monica's revelation about the origins of "The Boy is Mine" adds an interesting layer to the legacy of this legendary R&B collaboration.
Brandy and Monica's hit song "The Boy is Mine" is one of the most iconic R&B duets of all time. However, the singers' recent revelation that the track was inspired by the controversial Jerry Springer show adds a surprising twist to the story behind this classic track. As Brandy and Monica prepare to reunite for a tour, this unexpected origin story only adds to the enduring legacy of "The Boy is Mine."
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