🔗 Share this article

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems 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 glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.