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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

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

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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 Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.