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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

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

The Moving 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 greatest fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly 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, cementing her grip over the audience'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 Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.