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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

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

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

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.