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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served 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 presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.