Lauryn Hill thanked the 2025 Essence Fest for taking responsibility for her late set time at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Friday evening’s concert series delivered unforgettable performances, proving why this event remains a staple in Black music.

Lauryn Hills is off the hook as Essence takes blame for a set that wrapped after 3:30 a.m. Stephanie Mills, however, is still hot over how the festival was run.