2025 Essence Festival Apologizes for Superlounge Confusion: 'Did We Get It Right? No.'
ORLEANS PARISH, LOUISIANA, JUL 9 – Stephanie Mills condemned the 2025 Essence Festival for chaotic production and scheduling, citing late performances and low attendance as organizers admitted responsibility for delays.
- Lauryn Hill thanked the 2025 Essence Festival organizers for acknowledging that the late start of her performance was not her fault after she took the stage at 2:30 A.M. on July 5, 2025.
- Hill's scheduled start time was 12:35 A.M., but she began her set at 2:30 A.M. due to prior delays, ending around 3:37 A.M.
- Festival organizers publicly acknowledged their responsibility for the scheduling errors, which Hill appreciated in her statement.
- Hill addressed misconceptions about her commitment to performances, emphasizing her involvement in the production and the importance of her message.
18 Articles
18 Articles

Stephanie Mills Pens Open Letter To Essence Fest On Shortcomings
Source: @Latishamariee / Courtesy of Tre Media R&B legend Stephanie Mills recently took to Instagram to share an open letter addressing the organizational shortcomings of the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture. Her candid feedback highlighted a series of production and logistical issues that she believes negatively impacted her performance and the overall artist experience. Mills, who performed on the festival’s final night and attended the Nation…
Lauryn Hill Speaks Out Against The ‘Nonsense’ Surrounding Her Show Delays: ‘There Seems to Be a Misconception’
Lauryn Hill Sets The Record Straight After ESSENCE Fest Delay Lauryn Hill isn’t here for the noise. After fans raised eyebrows about her late-night performance at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival, the legendary songstress addressed the rumors head-on, letting folks know the delay wasn’t on her. Lauryn Hill Responds To Pras Michel’s Lawsuit, Calling It ‘Full of False Claims and Unwarranted Attacks’ The Fugees frontwoman took the stage at the Superdome i…
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