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The 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 sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

The beginning 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 appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of influences, including 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 concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.