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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated 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 precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.