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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage 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.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.