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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, 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

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded 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 technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.