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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era 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. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic 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 performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, 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

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions 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 Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.