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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, 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 single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions 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 Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.