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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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 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 Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful 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 paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.