🔗 Share this article

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “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, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.