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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, 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, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony 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, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.