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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.