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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set included 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 Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.