R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
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 single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers 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 Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
