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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

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

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.