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

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

Their performance included covers of influences, 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 evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.