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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

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

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday 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 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 feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.