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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “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 grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.