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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Moving Set

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

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

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.