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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature 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 performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.