R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as 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
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
