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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the 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, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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 experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.