Lauryn Hill’s set at the 2025 Essence Festival in New Orleans was memorable—but not for the reasons fans hoped. The Grammy-winning icon finally took the stage at the Caesars Superdome at 2:30 a.m. on July 5, hours behind schedule, performing to a mostly empty stadium that seats over 80,000.
Festival organizers had stacked Friday’s lineup, leading to cascading delays. By the time Hill appeared, only a few hundred die-hard fans remained. Despite the nearly deserted venue, Hill delivered a spirited set lasting just over an hour, complete with playful banter and even an impromptu request.
Joined by her sons Zion and Joshua Marley, Hill ran through classics like “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor,” embracing the intimate vibe of the diminished crowd.
Videos of the sparsely filled stadium quickly circulated on social media, reigniting debates about Hill’s history of late performances. However, many defended the singer, blaming poor event scheduling rather than Hill herself.
The Essence Festival, a cornerstone celebration of Black music and culture, continues through July 6, with performances from Jill Scott, Boyz II Men, Summer Walker, and Jazmine Sullivan still to come.
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