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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.