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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable 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 embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.