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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece 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 evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.