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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

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

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, 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 began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.