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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition 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 hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set 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 Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.