Lauryn Hill closed the first night of the 2025 Essence Festival at 3:37 a.m., leaving Lauryn Hill performing for a near-empty Superdome. Lauryn Hill’s late set quickly became a hot topic, with fans and critics questioning what led to the unusual schedule. The artist herself has addressed the situation, and festival organizers are weighing in to clarify the record.
🎯 A Night That Lasted Until Dawn
Attendees at the Essence Festival on July 5, 2025, expected a star-studded kickoff featuring acts like Maxwell, Babyface, and the Isley Brothers. However, delays pushed Lauryn Hill’s headline performance to well after 2 a.m., with the show wrapping up at 3:37 a.m. The Superdome, once buzzing with energy, had mostly emptied by the time she took the stage.
⚡ Essence Festival Takes Responsibility
In response to criticism, Essence Festival organizers released a statement defending Lauryn Hill. They emphasized that the delays were not the singer’s fault, asserting, “We protect our own no matter what.” Multiple sources confirm that scheduling issues and earlier performances caused the domino effect, impacting not just Hill but other acts as well.
💡 Artists and Fans React to the Controversy
Stephanie Mills, another performer at the event, publicly shared her frustration with the way the evening was handled. Mills argued that the festival’s poor management led to the late sets, shifting the blame away from the artists. Many fans echoed her sentiments online, expressing disappointment over missing Lauryn Hill’s performance due to the late hour.
🔍 Lauryn Hill Responds
Lauryn Hill herself addressed the incident on social media, calling the narrative that she was responsible for the delays “nonsense.” She clarified that technical issues and scheduling missteps by the organizers resulted in the late start, and she thanked loyal fans who stayed to watch her set despite the circumstances.
The incident has reignited conversations about artist treatment and event logistics at major music festivals. Supporters say Lauryn Hill delivered a strong vocal performance despite the empty arena, while critics urge better planning for future events to avoid similar situations.
As Essence Festival continues through the weekend with more performances lined up, organizers vow to improve scheduling and communication. The controversy around Lauryn Hill’s set serves as a reminder of the challenges artists face behind the scenes, often beyond their control.
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