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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

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

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching 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 reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.