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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.