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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.