🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. The Powerful Set The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success. Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Cheer Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.