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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Impressions

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.