These R&B Artists Stole the Show with Unforgettable TV Performances

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There’s something magical about a live TV performance. When an artist steps on stage and delivers a moment so powerful, so iconic, that people are still talking about it years later—that’s when you know you’ve witnessed greatness.

R&B has given us some of the most unforgettable live TV moments of all time. From soul-stirring ballads to jaw-dropping choreography, these performances didn’t just entertain—they shifted the culture. Whether it was at an award show, on late-night TV, or even during the Super Bowl, these artists proved why R&B will always be that genre. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most legendary TV performances in R&B history.

When R&B Artists Made Award Shows Worth Watching

Beyoncé’s 2016 BET Awards "Freedom" Performance

If there’s one thing Beyoncé is going to do, it’s perform. But her 2016 BET Awards performance of "Freedom" was on another level. The staging was cinematic—ankle-deep water, powerful stomps, and raw, passionate vocals that felt like a call to arms. When Kendrick Lamar emerged, the entire performance transformed into a full-fledged movement. It was more than just a song—it was a statement on Black empowerment and resilience.

Usher at the 2004 VMAs – "Confessions Pt. II" / "Yeah!"

Usher was at his absolute peak in 2004, and his MTV Video Music Awards performance proved it. He started smooth with "Confessions Pt. II," letting his vocals shine before turning the entire stage into a dance floor for "Yeah!" The way he slid across that floor with precision? Chills. It was the perfect mix of R&B finesse and pop showmanship, cementing Usher as the king of the early 2000s.

Brandy & Monica’s 1998 VMA Performance of "The Boy Is Mine"

This was the one and only live performance of "The Boy Is Mine" together until Verzuz decades later. The anticipation was real—two young R&B queens at the top of their game, delivering vocals and drama in equal measure. This performance solidified Brandy and Monica as icons, and honestly, we’re still waiting on that joint tour.

When R&B Artists Owned Late-Night TV

D’Angelo’s Soul-Stirring "Untitled (How Does It Feel?)" on SNL

D’Angelo didn’t need flashy production—just a microphone, a spotlight, and that undeniable presence. When he performed "Untitled (How Does It Feel?)" on Saturday Night Live, it was pure soul. His voice was flawless, the emotion was raw, and you could hear the audience holding their breath. This moment cemented D’Angelo as one of the most authentic R&B artists of his generation.

Alicia Keys’ Debut on Oprah (2001) – "Fallin’"

When Oprah personally introduces you as a future legend, you know you’re about to be somebody. Alicia Keys’ first major TV performance of "Fallin’" was breathtaking. Sitting at the piano, her braids cascading down, she sang with such conviction that it gave everyone chills. Even watching it today, it’s clear this was the moment a star was born.

R&B Performances That Shut Down the Super Bowl

Whitney Houston’s National Anthem (1991)

No exaggeration—Whitney Houston delivered the greatest rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" of all time. Period. In her white tracksuit, with no over-the-top theatrics, she sang with such clarity and emotion that it became the standard for every anthem performance since. The fact that her version was released as a single and charted? Iconic behavior.

Prince’s 2007 Halftime Show

Okay, so Prince isn’t strictly R&B, but his 2007 Super Bowl Halftime Show was so legendary that it has to be included. Performing "Purple Rain" in the middle of an actual rainstorm? That’s divine intervention. The way he commanded the stage, effortlessly blending rock, soul, and R&B—it was pure artistry.

When R&B Verzuz Took Over the Internet

Jill Scott vs. Erykah Badu (2020)

This wasn’t a battle—it was a vibe. Instead of competing, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu spent two hours hyping each other up, reminiscing, and blessing us with neo-soul goodness. It was the Verzuz we needed—Black women celebrating each other and reminding us why their music will always hit different.

The Chaotic Yet Legendary Omarion vs. Mario Verzuz (2022)

Oh, the messiness. From Omarion’s watermelon stunt to Mario’s unexpected vocal slayage, this Verzuz was entertainment. If you weren’t watching live, you missed one of the funniest and most chaotic nights in Verzuz history. The memes alone were worth the price of admission. But let’s be real—Mario walked away the clear winner. The man reminded everyone that vocals still matter in R&B.

Conclusion

R&B artists have always been about moments—those performances that leave us in awe, that get replayed on YouTube for years, that make us proud to say, this is our music. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping Super Bowl performance, a game-changing award show moment, or a Verzuz battle that turns into a cultural event, R&B will continue to own the stage.

What’s your favorite unforgettable R&B TV performance? Let’s talk about it. Drop your favorites in the comments, and let’s relive the magic together.