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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “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 grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits 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 artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.