Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

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 set the stage for the main artists.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired 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 concluded 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 younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.