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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening 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 backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.