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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

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

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Impressions

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.