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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.