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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.