There’s been a variety of discourse regarding the 2025 Essence Pageant Of Tradition, and one of many greatest pushbacks has been the set occasions.
The pageant’s lineup had run hours delayed. Lauryn Hill didn’t hit the stage till 2:30am after which wrapped at 3:37am this previous weekend.
NolaNews captured a video of the Grammy-award winner performing to an almost empty stadium.
“It was almost 4 a.m. Saturday morning when Lauryn Hill, who was quietly added to an already overstuffed opening evening lineup simply two days prior, completed her present,” the outlet captioned on their video posted to Instagram.
“The Superdome was almost empty by that time in one of many newest Essence Fest nights of all time.”
One fan defends Hill, who’s notoriously identified for her tardiness, expressing her hitting the stage late was out of her management.
“Let’s present the details. Your entire pageant was pushed again,” the fan tweeted.
“This was actually not her fault.”
Essence additionally defended the veteran, confirming she arrived on time and taking accountability for her arriving on the stage late.
“She arrived on schedule, stepped on that stage, and delivered the type of efficiency solely a legend can,” they captioned on their Instagram.
“The delay? Not hers. We are going to take that. The second? One for the books. The legacy? Nonetheless unmatched. Put some respect on her title. Maintain the takes, however hold her out of them. All love and deep profound admiration for Ms. Lauryn Hill.”