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

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her set, she spoke 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 heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, 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 tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood 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 production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.