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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, 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 solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished 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 dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.