š Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasnāt Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. āAs long as I live, I will never forget tonight,ā she stated sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band. Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Marsās Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, Iāll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.