🔗 Share this article

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing 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.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.