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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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 abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.