🔗 Share this article

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

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

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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 somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.