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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.