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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “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 crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances 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

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.