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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal 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, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions 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 Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.