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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

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

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up 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. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances 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.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.