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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional 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 grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.