🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. The Powerful Set The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success. However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated 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 shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Finally, the concert embraced 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. Final Thoughts Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.