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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.