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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned 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 fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up 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 heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the 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, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.