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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

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

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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 production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.