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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday 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 night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.