Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s 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 rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply 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 command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on 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 vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo 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 theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
