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.
The Fugees frontwoman took the stage at the Superdome in New Orleans after 2:30 a.m. ET on July 5, capping off day one of the festival. With online chatter picking up speed, Ms. Hill came forward to clarify things in a heartfelt and powerful statement shared on Tuesday (July 8).
“Thank you, Essence, for clearing up that the delays weren’t on me,” she posted to Instagram. “I usually stay quiet because I know God’s got my back, but this isn’t the first time production hiccups have postponed my performances. It’s the first time a promoter has taken responsibility, and I won’t let production challenges paint me as the villain when they’re not.”
That last line hit home. Hill’s been dogged for years with criticism about her timeliness, and she’s clearly tired of the narrative.
She shut down assumptions that she’s just casually pulling up late without a care. “People think I’m lounging on the Riviera, sipping drinks, and rolling up late because I’m too important to care. That’s just not true. Anyone involved in these productions knows the reality is quite the opposite.”
Lauryn Hill Defends Her Craft and Creative Commitment
Let’s be real — Lauryn Hill is one of the most hands-on artists of our time. She made that clear in her post, emphasizing just how much she puts into every show she performs.
“I’m involved in every aspect of my shows because it takes that level of commitment to maintain the integrity of my message and the quality of my performances,” she said.
It ain’t about seeking pity or excuses. For Hill, it’s a spiritual and creative journey every time she hits the stage. She described her work as a “labor of love,” and that love is what keeps her clocked in even when circumstances try to knock her off course.
The fact that Lauryn was only added to the festival lineup two days prior shows she stepped up under pressure. She finally took the stage in the early hours of July 6 and performed past 3:35 a.m. ET. The crowd had thinned by then, but those who stayed witnessed a moment of magic.
ESSENCE Festival didn’t leave her hanging either. In a rare move, organizers took full responsibility for the timing mishap.
“The delay? Not hers. We’ll own that,” the official ESSENCE statement read. “The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched. Put some respect on her name.”
ESSENCE Festival Backs Lauryn Hill Amid Criticism
In a culture where artists—especially Black women—are often unfairly scrutinized, ESSENCE did something few platforms do: they stood behind their headliner.
The production reshuffle was caused by a series of scheduling issues throughout the night, not Lauryn’s own actions. ESSENCE made that known with clarity and love.
“Critiques are fine, but leave her out of them. All love and deep admiration for Ms. Lauryn Hill.”