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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.