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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version 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 classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.