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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The beginning 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 backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, nine songs 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 solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal 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 breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.