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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance 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 Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood 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.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.