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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “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 emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.