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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, 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 Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.