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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted 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 signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

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