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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits 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 hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.