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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing 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 earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.