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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke 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 profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.