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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.