The internet is in shambles after Lauryn Hill performed to a near-empty Superdome at 3:37 AM during Essence Fest, but before you side-eye the legend, let’s get the facts straight.
Lauryn Hill may be known for being fashionably late, but this time, the internet might owe her an apology.
Over the weekend, the legendary “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” singer took the stage at Essence Fest, but not before a wave of confusion, backlash, and viral footage showed her performing to what appeared to be a nearly empty Superdome.
The internet lit up with jokes and outrage. “Lauryn Hill out here singing to the janitors,” one person tweeted. Another wrote, “She waited for everyone to leave before coming out like she’s Batman.”
But before you join the chorus of complaints, let’s set the record straight.
Lauryn Hill was a last-minute surprise addition to the 2025 Essence Festival lineup. Her set was announced just two days before the event, with her slated to take the stage around midnight on Friday. But when the night finally rolled around, delays pushed her performance back… way back.
According to NOLA.com, the entire Friday night lineup was running behind schedule from the jump. Acts were reportedly finishing their sets nearly an hour behind the posted schedule. By the time Hill finally took the stage at 2:31 AM, the Superdome, usually able to hold up to 83,000 fans, had only several hundred attendees left. She wrapped up her set at 3:37 AM, officially making it one of the latest performances in Essence Fest’s 31-year history.
While some folks online were quick to revive the old “Lauryn Hill’s always late” narrative, others rushed to her defense. Videos circulated showing her smiling, joking with the intimate crowd, even taking a request and performing alongside her sons, Zion Marley and Joshua “YG” Marley.
Essence Festival itself stepped in on Sunday with a statement on Instagram, clearing the air and taking responsibility for the late start. They explained that the evening’s delays affected multiple acts and that Hill’s tardy performance was not her fault.
So, was Lauryn late on purpose? Not this time.
