R&B and pop icon Usher Raymond rocked the house at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans on Saturday, July 6. Mesmerizing the audience at a packed Caesars Superdome, the “Yes” headlined the spectacular event by performing the unforgettable hit from his legendary fourth studio album, “Confessions,” which established a defining moment for the influential music artist in 2004.
Undoubtedly the closest to his heart, Usher’s landmark 20-year-old album release, which includes praise-worthy hits like “Yeah”, “Burn”, “Bad Girl” and “Caught Up”, also earned the title of the best-selling R&B album of the 21st century. It has sold over 10 million in the US.
And so, it was undoubtedly a cause for celebration, to honour the brilliant record that not only got the early Y2K era dancing on its feet, but has also kept generations grooving to the dancefloor.
Why performing at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture was so important to Usher
Changing up his performance for the 30th Essence Festival, Usher initially performed with a backing choir, and radiated divine glory throughout his one-hour performance, just days after winning a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET.
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Usher continues to add gold stars to his banner year, performing at the biggest African-American cultural and music festival in the US following his stunning win.
The “Daddy’s Home” singer is well acquainted with the Essence stage, as she first attended the U.S. festival in 1998 at age 19, which celebrates the intersection of Black culture, community and joy.
At the time, a young Usher paid tribute to another icon of that era, Luther Vandross. Fast forward to 2024, and you’ll see Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monet and Lato come together for a tribute to the “Coming Home” star at BET’s “Coming Home” special.
Ahead of his unique Essence performance, the R&B singer told USA Today how being a part of the all-time famous festival always feels like a “celebration.” He also confessed, “This year was a little more unique because I’m celebrating the 20th anniversary of ‘Confessions.'”
Speaking on why performing at this special event was even more special, he said, “Just to be able to have an environment where it’s predominantly minority black men and women (boys and girls) and celebrating our culture… I’m happy for a lot of reasons, not just because it’s another show. It’s a special show.”
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Stepping onto the Essence stage this year was a clear agenda for her, as she declared, “It all started there.”
The indomitable musician further explained why “Confessions” is an important addition to his discography. “‘Confessions’ has such a great vibe and it reflects my aesthetic as an artist. That’s why it’s so special,” he explained.
Hailed as an “Icon” or “Legend of This Time,” Usher has just begun a historic year that will take him to the pages of his upcoming “Past, Present, Future” tour on August 14th.
More information on this year’s Essence Festival in New Orleans
The 30th Essence Festival of Culture kicked off on July 4 and will run through Sunday, July 7. After Usher’s headline show on Saturday, Janet Jackson will take over as the final night’s headliner.
Saturday also saw artists such as Ayra Star, Method Man, Big Boi, Charlie Wilson, Donell Jones, Sheila E and TGT – Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank. Sunday will also see artists such as Victoria Monét, Keke Palmer, Tank and the Bangas, Dawn Richard, Tedra Moses, Jagged Edge, SWV, Bilal and Anthony Hamilton perform.
Watch Usher’s full Essence Festival set:
