Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly 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 vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.