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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.