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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

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

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply 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, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.