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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable 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 performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.