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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke 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 profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.