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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

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

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

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances 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 evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.