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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

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

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.