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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended 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 technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.