🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success. However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional 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 emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.