The members of New Edition were just sitting back discussing their recent Las Vegas residency experience. Within minutes they booked superstars Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton to join them on tour, but not as opening acts — as co-headliners — performing together on stage at the same time. Here’s how it happened.

Those same gentlemen (Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe and Johnny Gill) were teen heartthrobs in the 80s and 90s as part of one of America’s most popular boy bands. They paved the way for other boy bands like Boyz II Men, New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, and the K-pop phenomenon. 

When New Edition first arrived on the scene, their music resonated with youthful audiences, and the band members were just as young—one was only nine years old. Formed in 1978 in Boston’s Roxbury neighbourhood, they released their breakout hit Candy Girl in 1983, when the members were between 14 and 17 years old.

They were conceived as a “new edition” of The Jackson 5 for modern teen audiences. Concertgoers agreed that their Motown-inspired style, choreography, and vocal harmony were as strong as ever.

An audience member who saw them perform in Vegas earlier this year said, “Their chemistry was undeniable” as they moved through their extensive catalogue with precision and passion. “The setlist was a perfect mix of classics and deep cuts, giving fans everything from Mr. Telephone Man to Can You Stand the Rain and the high energy If It Isn’t Love.” See more from New Edition on their official YouTube channel.

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Solo Projects and Success Stories Featuring Members of New Edition

After amassing multiple hits and racking up awards for their artistry, some members went their separate ways or worked on their own projects, only to reunite multiple times (2004, 2011, 2014, 2022) over the last 30 years.

• Bobby Brown, known as the “Bad Boy of R&B,” achieved superstardom with hits like My Prerogative and Every Little Step, which sold over 12 million copies worldwide and contributed to the diamond certification of his Don’t Be Cruel album.
• Ralph Tresvant‘s solo debut Sensitivity, showcasing his signature smooth vocals, went to number 1.
• Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD) — Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe — whose fusion of R&B and hip-hop produced the classic Poison, a No. 3 Billboard Hot 100 hit and defining anthem of the hip-hop smooth out era. The song showcased incredible vocals and unforgettable bassline and drum beats.
• Johnny Gill, who joined New Edition after establishing himself as a powerhouse solo artist, had chart-toppers including My, My, My and Rub You the Right Way.

Collectively, members of New Edition have received many awards, including American Music and Soul Train awards. They have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and were inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (U.S.) in 2023. As solo artists, they are to be reckoned with. When they work together they produce magic.

Their 1996 reunion brought all six members together (Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ronnie, Ralph, Johnny) and resulted in the Home Again album. Their 2023 Legacy Tour also featured all six members.

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After the Wynn Las Vegas Residency

The band followed up on that success with New Edition: Las Vegas Residency (also called New Edition: Las Vegas – The Legacy Continues). They performed a six-show engagement at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas in early 2024, followed by extended shows at the end of the year and another series of performances in 2025.

Connecting with Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton

The bandmates agree that Las Vegas was a great experience, but felt they could take the show to another level.

New Edition called up four-time GRAMMY winners Boyz II Men (Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman), known for hits like End of the Road, I’ll Make Love to You, and One Sweet Day with Mariah Carey. After checking their 2026 schedules, the two groups hatched a plan to do something they had never done before.

The groups share a long history: Bivins discovered Boyz II Men at a talent show at their high school in Philadelphia. Still, after decades in the music business, New Edition and Boyz II Men had never shared the stage together — until now.

They agree to perform together for the first time. Both bands were elated but it felt like they were missing one thing — “a little feminine energy.” It so happens that Gill, with an acoustic guitar in his hand, was ready for just such a moment. “I got a bonafide queen on speed dial,” he boasted. It turns out to be real R&B royalty, who at that very moment was camera-ready, looking like the photograph on one of her albums.

They connect with none other than Toni Braxton (Un-Break My Heart, Breathe Again, and You’re Makin’ Me High) on a group call. By the time they told her what they had in mind, she simply responded, “Say less.”

With those words, Braxton, one of the most successful artists in contemporary R&B, with seven GRAMMYs under her belt and more than 70 million albums sold, became the key element in New Edition’s plan to reach the next level.

The idea fully bloomed while they were in conversation. New Edition, Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton, record-breaking award-winning artists, will perform together “on the same stage every night, not taking turns — actually performing together.” The performers described the experience of having fans all around them as “crazy,” with “no barriers, no separation,” and “an original music experience.”

New Edition, Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton will unite under the New Edition Way Tour 2026 banner — what organizers are calling “a dynamic 360° view” that delivers “an up-close and immersive concert experience.”

The New Edition Way Tour takes its name from a street in Boston that was recently named after the group in recognition of the cultural and musical impact they’ve had on their hometown.

The promise of such a royal affair felt too good to keep to themselves. The legends decided to spread the joy to their fans, sharing a promo video circulating on social media that gives a sped-up version of how the tour came together. They’re pretty good actors too, and even better at making R&B history.

Watch for tour dates in Core Music Events 2025.