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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “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 crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.