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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.