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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.