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

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “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 command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened 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 responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past 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 snow.