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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of 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.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s 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 time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.