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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted 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 on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.