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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.