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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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 slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions 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.

Final Impressions

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.