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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For 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, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended 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 evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.