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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

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

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.