Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

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

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful 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 glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.