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Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lauryn Hill speaks on the delays that caused her to play to a near-empty stadium at 2.30am in New Orleans
Lauryn Hill publicly defends herself for 'nonsense' claims in the press about why she was almost two hours late for her scheduled performance at the Essence Festival Of Culture on July 4. The 50-year-old singer, who got on stage at 2.30am to put on a show to a thinned-out audience in New Orleans' Caesars Superdome, was a late addition to the line-up and she was originally scheduled to close out the night hours earlier than she did. The entire night was delayed due to multiple late starts from earlier performers, which culminated in Hill being held up. Performance delays: Lauryn Hill issued a statement spelling out the reasons behind her hitting the stage at 2.30am for her time at Essence Festival Of Culture on July 4 Videos of the Superdome, which has an official capacity of 83,000, showed the practically empty space as Hill performed into the early hours of the morning. While many fans bashed the singer for the late start, especially regarding her history of late performances, Essence Fest also issued a statement on Sunday where it took responsibility for the delay. The event said: '[Hill] arrived on schedule, stepped on that stage, and delivered the kind of performance only a legend can. The delay? Not hers. We will take that. The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched.' Hill said: 'Thank you Essence Fest for clarifying that the delays were not my fault. Family, let me address a few things. 'I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows, because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do. 'And for this reason: I rehearse and arrange the music diligently with my band. I am involved in every aspect of design, preparation and production of my shows while also being a parent, grandparent, and steward to my immediate family and community. 'While some get to focus on a single discipline or category, my role requires that I have eyes everywhere and contribute to most if not every department and more. 'I do this without complaint because it is truly a labor of love and great passion for me to be able to perform meaningful music for my audience.' The news of Hill's delayed set was met with much ridicule online, and fans cited numerous performances she'd been several hours late for, which she also addressed. Hill said on Instagram: 'There seems to be a misconception out there though that I am somewhere on the Riviera with my feet up, drink in hand, showing up to concerts whenever because I am too important to care. That's nonsense... and anyone who's been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true. 'Those of us who are still out here grinding to present an alternative to the divisive, to the shallow, to the controlled, and to the intentionally limiting narrative of our representation do what it takes to do so. We are here, pushing through the resistance.' Hill continued: 'Ask yourself how and why I'm still standing after years of public effort to defame me? Because someone has to do it! 'I'm often quiet, knowing full well that God fights my battles, but this is not the first time production delays have delayed my performance.' 'This IS however the first time a promoter has acknowledged the slip up on their end, (thank you Essence!) and this will be the last time I'll allow production challenges to look like the fault is mine alone when they aren't.' The singer then seemed to aim at haters: 'Those of you who can no longer extend me grace, I'm OK with that, because it's not your grace that sustains me. It's God's grace that sustains me and the love of fans who appreciate that my message came for them when they needed it most and KNOW that I was probably being punished for being so honest in the midst of big business. 'I will continue to push and play for these and other similar reasons. Those who can't see it yet, catch you when you do.' The singer also addressed the press: 'Media, fact-check and watch what you irresponsibly put out there - there are consequences for misrepresenting the facts. 'Despite the late start, I appreciate those who stayed and rocked with us. Family, always remember: what the enemy means for evil God will turn around for good! Respectfully, MLH.' Hill also shared a number of pictures of herself performing at the Superdome and a few of the fans in attendance as well as those for her set. Nola News shared video from the sparse Superdome with Hill on stage. In the past, the singer's developed a reputation for going on stage much later than she's originally scheduled to, which many fans mentioned on social media. One said: 'Lauryn Hill is a scam artist and I don't know why y'all keep supporting her.' Another retweeted a message about the late ending with: 'Stop. Booking. Her.' Others defended Hill by clarifying what actually happened. So much to say: X was filled with messages from the star's ardent fans and haters
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Smart Businesses Are Watching Essence Fest 2025 Closely
Fans attend the ESSENCE Festival of Culture at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Essence Festival of Culture found itself at an unusual crossroads this year—equal parts cultural reflection and corporate case study. Some headlines applauded the juggernaut for its intentionality about Black womanhood, but others took a more critical tone and none was more polarizing than the image of Lauryn Hill performing in a near-empty Caesar's Superdome at 3:47 in the morning. The internet, never one to wait for context, responded with swift certainty, and social feeds lit up with familiar refrains: Hill was late again. She kept fans waiting—again. The same narrative was recycled, almost ritualistically, whenever the enigmatic artist took the stage. But this time felt different. So much so that neo-soul icon India Arie didn't mince words when she wrote on Instagram that 'Essence has lost its essence,' reflecting discontent among artists who've helped shape the legacy of Black music and culture. For three decades, ESSENCE has been a space built by and for Black people, so when the brand's management posted a statement defending Hill on social media, affirming that 'we protect our own,' reactions were immediate, and divided. Cultural critic Lindsay Tramel is one of many who didn't hold back on her opinion. 'I'm always here for protecting Black women, especially our legends,' Tramel said, 'but this fell flat. Defending Lauryn wasn't a smart business model; it was a brand move that left many people questioning whether their time, dollars and culture were truly valued. Let's not forget, Essence Festival was built for us, by us; it is a cultural cornerstone that's supposed to feel like a family reunion with 500,000 cousins, but this year some Black creators and local vendors were left out, while more palatable Black creators were leading the movements, almost like someone slapped a sponsorship on it and hoped no one noticed." Atlanta-based PR strategist Kera Felton echoed a similar sentiment. 'I think their response came from a place of protection and pride, but it didn't fully land. Essence made it clear that the delay wasn't Lauryn's fault, which is important,' Felton said. 'She's been heavily criticized over the years for lateness, and ESSENCE took a public stance to protect her reputation, but what they missed was the audience. Black women drive trends, influence buying behavior, and spend intentionally with brands that make them feel seen and ESSENCE has always been a staple, but that loyalty can't be taken for granted." Inside the organization, leaders like Chief Content Officer Michele Ghee are aware of the stakes of producing an event of this scale. 'As you can imagine, putting on an event of this magnitude takes coordination across multiple teams, transitions and real-time logistics,' Ghee said. 'There were technical difficulties that led to Ms. Hill's performance being delayed. Her team was incredibly gracious and worked closely with us throughout.' NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (L-R) Deja Vu, Lynn Whitfield, Luke James, Arielle Chambers and Traci A. ... More Curry speak onstage during the ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. But even with ESSENCE's transparency about the technical delays, the moment gave room for more questions about accountability, consumer trust, and what that looks like for their target audience. 'Black women are the culture and the cash flow,' said Patrice Williams Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad. 'Protecting us isn't charity; it's strategy and a community-building lever. Was it culturally necessary to defend Lauryn? Yes. But protecting Black women means protecting us as consumers, too. People felt unheard when they raised concerns about what they got versus what they paid for—and let's be real, the ticket prices aren't small.' Ghee emphasized that the brand's mission remains dedicated to the community, even as it adapts. 'Essence Festival of Culture exists because of the community that has shown up for it year after year, and that support means everything to us, and as the festival evolves, we are working to balance legacy with innovation,' she said. 'Not every change will feel perfect in real time, but we are listening and making adjustments to reflect what our audience needs and deserves.' ESSENCE remains one of the most trusted cultural platforms in the country; its ability to adapt while staying rooted in its mission is precisely why many in the business world continue to invest in its influence. For Dana James Mwangi, a digital coach from Nashville, the brand's response was a step in the right direction—but insufficient. 'Yes, it was smart. But it can't be the only move,' Mwangi said. "Protecting a legend is one thing, but protecting the hearts of your audience is another. People want to know that ESSENCE doesn't just ride for talent but for the community that built this brand and protecting Black women looks different than it did 20 years ago. The little Black girls who grew up on ESSENCE are grown now. We understand contracts, we understand logistics, but we also understand when a brand stops talking to us." Ghee noted that at the heart of protection is the ability to listen, even when the conversations are difficult, even when the feedback is hard to hear. 'Protecting our own means listening, understanding, and taking action to benefit the community we serve,' she said. 'We are not here to silence conversation; we are here to hold space for truth, acknowledge when we fall short, and show up with clarity and intention.' For LaToya Evans, owner of LEPR Agency, the response was the best the brand could do in a volatile media environment. 'They honored the artist, owned the issue, and responded with integrity. In an economic climate where DEI initiatives are being rolled back, ESSENCE held the line.' 'We're proud to be a space where Black women come together to celebrate and be celebrated. That mission hasn't changed, but how we live it must evolve,' Ghee said. Despite offering over 21,500 minutes of free programming, supporting 300 Black-owned vendors, and generating $346 million in economic impact for New Orleans, ESSENCE still left many consumers wanting more. It's a dynamic that hasn't gone unnoticed. PR strategists, brand experts, and corporate partners alike—many already navigating the backlash against DEI—are watching closely, not just to see how ESSENCE responds, but to understand what this moment signals about the evolving expectations of one of America's most influential consumer groups: Black women. When cultural trust is strained, companies that sponsor or align with legacy brands like ESSENCE begin asking tougher questions: What happens when credibility is no longer guaranteed? What does 'protection' mean when inclusion and accountability are now non-negotiables? NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - A general view of the crowd from above during the Essence Festival of ... More Culture at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. ESSENCE's decision to take accountability reflects the platform's commitment to creating space for authentic dialogue, and in the end, its response to the Hill controversy may matter less than what comes next. The festival's true test won't be measured solely by Instagram comments or economic impact reports but in the small, yet meaningful moments that define consumer trust.
New York Post
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Lauryn Hill addresses the ‘nonsense' after her delayed Essence Festival set
Lauryn Hill is finding peace of mind in speaking her truth. The singer, 50, is opening up about her Saturday set at the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Despite Hill's original time slot being slated for 12:35 a.m., she didn't start until 2:30 a.m. local time. The artist's performance ran until 3:37 a.m. 11 Lauryn Hill performs during 2025 Essence Festival Of Culture at Caesars Superdome on July 4, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Getty Images On Sunday, the Essence Festival released a statement taking accountability for Hill's set time. Now, the hitmaker is setting the record straight. Hill wrote in a lengthy Instagram post, 'Thank you Essence for clarifying that the delays were not my fault.' 11 Lauryn Hill at the 2025 Essence Festival Of Culture. Getty Images 'Family, let me address a few things: I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows, because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do,' she continued. Hill added that she rehearses and arranges her music 'diligently' while 'also being a parent, grandparent and steward to my immediate family and community.' Although it is hard work, the Grammy winner does so 'without complaint because it is truly labor of love.' 11 Lauryn Hill performs late at the 2025 Essence Festival Of Culture. Getty Images '[It is] a great passion for me to be able to perform meaningful music for my audience.' 'There seems to be a misconception out there that I am somewhere on the Riviera with my feet up, drink in hand, showing up to concerts whenever because I'm too important to care,' explained Hill. 'That's nonsense… and anyone who's been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true.' 'Those of us who are still out here grinding to present an alternative to the divisive, to the shallow, to the controlled, and to the intentionally limiting narrative of our representation do what it takes to do so,' she detailed. 'We are here, pushing through the resistance.' 11 Fatlip, Jermaine Dupri, Imani, and Slimkid3 perform onstage during Day 3 of the 2025 Essence Festival. Getty Images for ESSENCE Hill acknowledged that she is no stranger to production delays, but appreciated the festival for taking responsibility. 'This IS however the first time a promoter has acknowledged the slip up on their end, (thank you Essence!),' she wrote, 'and this will be the last time l'll allow production challenges to look like the fault is mine alone, when they aren't.' Concluding her message, Hill signed off: 'Media, fact check and watch what you irresponsibly put out there— there are consequences for misrepresenting the facts. Despite the late start, I appreciate those who stayed and rocked with us.' 11 Dj Mars, DJ Trauma and Lala Milan onstage during Day 3 of the 2025 Essence Festival. Getty Images for ESSENCE Fans flocked to the comments section to share their support for the legendary artist. 'I would wait however long it takes to catch a Lauryn Hill set. I'm about to go listen to that unplugged album RIGHT NOWNOW,' one fan wrote. Another added, ''I'm savin souls and yall complaining bout my lateness…' tell them!' 11 Lauryn Hill. Getty Images However, not everyone was as understanding. 'Not cool. You were late at lovers at friends didn't hit the stage until 3am. We had to leave. It's disappointing,' one social media user chimed in. A second follower noted, 'I want to love this but I've been to like 3 shows in the last couple years and stayed/waited/danced my butt off when you got there. But they all started uber late. I guess alllll these production peeps in different states need to get it together.' The 2025 Essence Festival of Culture took place from Thursday, July 3, to Sunday, July 6. 11 Lauryn Hill performs in nearly-empty stadium. morgand.23/TikTok Hill's set was supposed to hit the stage Friday night, following GloRilla, the Isley Brothers, Babyface, Maxwell, Lucky Daye and Psiryn. But most of the other performers also didn't go onstage until at least an hour after their scheduled sets. While onstage, Hill sang her hit 1998 song 'Ex-Factor.' The superstar also brought her sons Zion Marley, 27, and YG Marley, 23, out to perform with her. 11 Lauryn Hill performs later than scheduled. morgand.23/TikTok During her set, Hill performed 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' and closed out the show with 'Fu-Gee-La,' a song from her hip-hop group, the Fugees. Shortly after, Essence Festival released a statement on Instagram defending Hill. 'Family is family and around here we protect our own no matter what the PEOPLE have to say,' they said on Sunday.' Let's be very clear— WE don't play about Ms. Lauryn Hill. Not for clicks. Not for headlines.' 11 Lauryn Hill performs on Night 1 during the 2025 Essence Festival Of Culture. WireImage 'She arrived on schedule, stepped on that stage, and delivered the kind of performance only a legend can,' the statement added. 'The delay? Not hers. We will take that. The moment? One for the legacy? Still unmatched.' 'Put some respect on her name. Keep the takes, but keep her out of them,' the festival concluded. 'All love and deep profound admiration for Ms. Lauryn Hill.' Over the years, Hill has been notorious for arriving late to her shows. 11 Lauryn Hill attends The 2025 Met Gala. Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue In 2023, during a delayed concert of hers, the singer told the crowd, 'Yo, y'all lucky I make it on this blood ras stage every night.' 'I don't do it because they let me do it,' she shared. 'I do it because I stand here in the name of God and I do it.' 'God is the one who allows me to do it,' Hill stated as the crowd went wild. 'Who surrounded me with family and community when there was no support. When the album sold so many records and no one showed up and said, 'Hey, would you like to make another one.'' 11 Lauryn Hill in NYC. Walik Goshorn/MediaPunch/INSTARimages 'So, I went around the world and played the same album over and over and over, because we're the survivors.' Hill formed the Fugees in 1990 with Wyclef Jean and Pras. Their second album, 'The Score,' in 1996, made Hill the first woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Then, in 1998, Hill released her debut solo album, 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.' She took home the award for Album of the Year at the Grammys, becoming the first rapper to win in that category.
USA Today
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
What to know ahead of 2025 Essence Festival: Dates, tickets, 3-day lineup
Some of the most iconic voices in hip-hop and R&B are taking over New Orleans this weekend at the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture. The long-standing festival will feature a jam-packed lineup of performers taking the stage. "Every Fourth of July weekend, we gather in New Orleans to celebrate Black excellence in all its forms," Essence said on its website. "This is where we see ourselves—fully, proudly, and in power. We Love Us. Come and feel that love for yourself." Here's what we know about this year's Essence Festival: More: Jermaine Dupri on the key to a hit record, Quincy Jones and his 'tribute of all tributes' When and where is the Essence Festival of Culture? The Essence Festival of Culture concerts are held from July 4 to July 6 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Essence Fest three-day lineup Friday: Maxwell, GloRilla, Babyface, The Isley Brothers, Lauryn Hill, and Psiryn are confirmed to take the stage on night one. Lucky Daye is slated for the Super Lounge performance. Saturday: Jill Scott will be joined by Jazmine Sullivan and Patti LaBelle. Davido, Erykah Badu, Buju Banton, Summer Walker, and Moliy are also hitting the stage. Donell Jones is scheduled for the Super Lounge performance. Sunday: Boyz II Men, Nas, and Doug E Fresh are performing on night three. Master P will have a set featuring The No Limit Soldiers, Mia X, Dru Hill, Keri Hilson, and Silkk the Shocker. Muni Long is confirmed for the Super Lounge performance. On their Instagram page, Essence also announced a "Waiting to Exhale" evening set with artists Keke Palmer, Andra Day, Yolanda Adams, Debrah Cox, Tamar Braxton, India Shawn, Chante Moore and Brittney Spencer. "An iconic soundtrack. A powerhouse lineup. A moment for the culture," the post stated. Will there be a Quincy Jones tribute? Yes, esteemed producer Jermaine Dupri is spearheading the tribute for Quincy Jones on Sunday. His set list includes: How to get tickets Tickets for the concerts are available on Ticketmaster. The three-day bundle is currently sold out, but single-day tickets are still available. For all three dates, as of July 3, tickets are as low as $82. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
Fox News
02-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
ESPN provides encouraging health update for Randy Moss following former NFL star's cancer diagnosis: report
Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss was noticeably absent from several broadcasts of ESPN's long-running "Sunday NFL Countdown" down the stretch of last year's NFL season. The former wide receiver was forced to step away from his broadcasting duties when he learned of a cancer diagnosis. He made his health situation public last December. Moss was able to make an appearance on ESPN in February on Super Bowl Sunday. "It's been hard but I got a lot of love and a lot of people believe in me, man. So I'm happy to be here," Moss said on Feb. 9 during his return to the ESPN set inside the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The former Minnesota Vikings star is now set to return to the "Sunday NFL Countdown" on a full-time basis in time for the start of the 2025 season, ESPN confirmed to The Athletic. ESPN described Moss' return as one of this offseason's watershed moments. "Randy's return on Super Bowl Sunday was an emotional lift — not just for our team but for the entire football community — and knowing he will resume his full Sunday NFL Countdown schedule, beginning in Week 1, has been the highlight of the offseason," the network said in a statement sent to The Athletic. In December, Moss went to his social media platform to reveal he was "battling something internally." He later stated that he was hospitalized after he underwent a procedure to treat cancer located in the bile duct between the pancreas and the liver. Shortly after his announcement, ESPN confirmed Moss would take some time away from his role with the network. "They found it in the bile duct right between the pancreas and the liver, and that the cancer was sitting right outside the bile duct," he said on Dec. 13. The treatment plan for Moss included radiation and chemotherapy. The upcoming 2025 NFL season will coincide with Moss' 10th season with ESPN. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
