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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “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 grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.