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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.