R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.