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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.