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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

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

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.