R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.