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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

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

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.