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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

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

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their set included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood 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.

Overall Impressions

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.