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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.