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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted 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 never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.