Lauryn Hill Played to a Near-Empty Stadium Until 3:37 A.M. at Essence Festival — and Fans Are Now Coming to Her Defense
The festival lineup had run hours behind schedule, and Hill reportedly took the stage at 2:30 a.m. local time
Hill, 50, was seen bantering with the small crowd in the 83,000-person stadium and taking requestsLauryn Hill closed out her set at the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture to a near-empty stadium after taking the stage hours later than expected.
The eight-time Grammy winner performed at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, starting her set at 2:30 a.m. local time and finishing at 3:37 a.m. on Saturday, July 5 — for what was supposed to be a Friday, July 4, performance, per Nola.com and Stereogum.
Nola.com reported that by the time Hill took the stage, only several hundred people were in the crowd, which accommodates 83,000 people, and the evening ran behind schedule from the start, with some acts finishing almost an hour after the next performers were scheduled to begin.
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Hill, 50, who has been known for late performances in the past, appeared to take the scheduling issue in stride. Nola.com reported that she bantered with the small crowd and even took a request. She also performed songs with her sons, Zion Marley, 27, and Joshua 'YG' Marley, 23.
Videos of the near-empty stadium began circulating on TikTok on July 5. A number of fans took to social media to defend the 'Doo-Wop (That Thing)' singer, arguing that she was not at fault for the late start time.
Or, let's post what actually happened. It's very easy to get Lauryn Hill trending with false narratives.Let's provide the facts. The entire festival was pushed back. This was literally not her fault.Me on the other hand, I would have gone home. Contract or not. Bye. https://t.co/F5JUeXUbQv
— ERIC LAMONT (@EricUnedited) July 5, 2025
Stereogum additionally reported that Hill was added to an already packed lineup, which contributed to the late start.
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The Essence Festival 2025 is set to conclude on Sunday, July 6. Other acts include Jill Scott, Boyz II Men, Summer Walker and Jazmine Sullivan.
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