Lauryn Hill fans were disappointed after her last-minute performance at Essence Fest was delayed by several hours, but this time it wasn't her fault.
On Sunday, July 6, the organizers of Essence Fest issued a statement over 24 hours after the Fugees artist took the stage at 2:30 a.m. The Superdome in New Orleans was almost empty when Hill hit the stage for her hour-long set. Although some fans weren't happy, Hill delivered her set as promised and even took requests from those who waited for her performance. Although the singer faced a lot of criticism online after her set, the festival told fans to put the blame on them.
“Family is family and around here we protect our own no matter what the PEOPLE have to say," the festival's organizers said. "Let’s be very clear— WE don’t play about Ms. Lauryn Hill. Not for clicks. Not for headlines. She 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," they admitted. "The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched. Put some respect on her name. Keep the takes, but keep her out of them. All love and deep profound admiration for Ms. Lauryn Hill.”
Lauryn Hill ended her set at 3:37 a.m. Her performance wasn't the only one that was delayed, either. Other artists like GloRilla, Maxwell and The Isley Brothers also performed at different times. Despite the chaos that occurred on night one, the rest of the performers, including Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Master P, Muni Long and others, hit the stage on time during nights two and three.