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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

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

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale 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 experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.