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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale 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 feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.