🔗 Share this article

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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 production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.