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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

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

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.