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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.