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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke 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 gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers 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

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong 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 production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.