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Home · Celebrity

Star Gazing from Last Year's ESSENCE Festival

We can't wait to see what celebs descend on New Orleans for the 21st annual ESSENCE Festival. In the meantime, let's see who was in attendance last year.
By · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Elle Varner

Elle Varner attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
02
Sybrina Fulton and Taraji P. Henson

Sybrina Fulton and Taraji P. Henson attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
03
Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
04
Dave Chappelle and Erykah Badu

Dave Chappelle and Erykah Badu attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
05
Taraji P. Henson

Actress Taraji P. Henson attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
06
Nicole Ari Parker and actor Boris Kodjoe

Actress Nicole Ari Parker and actor Boris Kodjoe attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
07
Tika Sumpter

Actress Tika Sumpter attends the 2014 365 Black Awards during the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 5, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
08
Morris Chestnut, Lance Gross, and Terrence Jenkins

Actors Morris Chestnut, Lance Gross, and Terrence Jenkins attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 5, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
09
Ledisi

Recording artist Ledisi performs during the 2014 365 Black Awards during the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
10
Questlove

Questlove of The Roots performs at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Erika Goldring/Getty Images
11
Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige performs at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 5, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Josh Brasted/FilmMagic
12
Mali Music
Mali Music performed at ESSENCE Festival in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
13
Black Thought of The Roots

Black Thought of The Roots performs during the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
14
Lance Gross

Actor Lance Gross attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
15
Ledisi

Ledisi performs during the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
16
Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 5, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
17
Michelle Williams

Recording artist Michelle Williams attends the 2014 365 Black Awards during the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
18
Nicole Beharie

Actress Nicole Beharie attends the 2014 365 Black Awards during the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
19
Jazmine Sullivan

Recording artist Jazmine Sullivan attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
20
Avant

Avant attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
21
Keke Wyatt

Keke Wyatt attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
22
Anthony Mackie and Michael B. Jordan

Anthony Mackie and Michael B. Jordan attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
23
MC Lyte and Doug E. Fresh

Rappers MC Lyte and Doug E. Fresh attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
24
Leela James

Recording artist Leela James attends the 2014 365 Black Awards during the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 5, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
25
Cynthia Bailey and Derek J

Cynthia Bailey and Derek J attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 5, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
26
Questlove, Biz Markie and Treach

Questlove, Biz Markie and Treach attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
27
Biz Markie and DJ Jazzy Jeff

Biz Markie and DJ Jazzy Jeff attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
28
Michael B. Jordan and LeToya Luckett

Michael B. Jordan and LeToya Luckett attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 5, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
29
Malinda Williams

Actress Malinda Williams attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
30
Marsha Ambrosius

Recording artist Marsha Ambrosius attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
31
Mary J. Blige

Recording artist Mary J. Blige attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
32
Sherri Shepherd

Sherri Shepherd attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
33
Ledisi

Ledisi at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Michael Rowe
34
Cynthia Bailey and Peter Thomas

Cynthia Bailey and Peter Thomas at the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Michael Rowe
35
Luke James

Luke James at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
36
Kelly Price

Kelly Price at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Michael Rowe
37
Roland Martin and Yolanda Adams

Roland Martin interviews Yolanda Adams on the ESSENCE Center Stage.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Michael Rowe
38
Kevin Liles, Trey Songz and Tank

Kevin Liles, Trey Songz and Tank attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 3, 2014 in New Orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
39
LeToya Luckett and Monica

LeToya Luckett and Monica attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 3, 2014 in New Orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
40
Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Sullivan attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 3, 2014 in New Orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
41
Tina Atikins-Campbell and Erica Campbell

Tina Atikins-Campbell and Erica Campbell of Mary Mary attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
42
Roland Martin

Roland Martin works it out with Body by Denise team on the ESSENCE Center Stage.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
David Willems
43
Eva Marcille

Eva Marcille attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
44
Elle Varner

Elle Varner at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
45
K. Michelle

K. Michelle stops by the press room during the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 3, 2014 in New Orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Erika Goldring/Getty Images
46
Nas

Nas attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 3, 2014 in New Orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
47
Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is interviewed on Center Stage in ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
48
Tika Sumpter and Anthony Anderson

Tika Sumpter and Anthony Anderson attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
49
Alicia Keys

Recording artist Alicia Keys attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
50
Soledad O’Brien

TV personality Soledad O’Brien attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
51
Cynthia Bailey and Robin Roberts

TV personalities Cynthia Bailey and Robin Roberts attend the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
52
Terry McMillan

Author Terry McMillan onstage at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
53
Bishop TD Jakes

Bishop TD Jakes onstage at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
54
Kevin Liles

Kevin Liles attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
55
Derek J

Reality televison personality Derek J attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
56
Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges

Rapper Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges onstage at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
57
Vanessa A. Williams

Actress Vanessa A. Williams attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
58
Al Sharpton

Al Sharpton attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
59
Laz Alonso

Actor Laz Alonso attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
60
Luke James

Luke James at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
61
Robin and Sally-Ann Roberts

Robin Roberts and her sister Sally-Ann Roberts onstage at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
62
Lance Gross

Actor Lance Gross attends the 2014 ESSENCE Festival on July 4, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
63
Roland Martin

Roland Martin at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
64
Chante Moore

Chante Moore will hit the stage for the EEE Gospel Tribute, honoring music icon Cissy Houston.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
65
Trina and Towanda

Trina and Towanda Braxton at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
66
Preachers of LA

Laz Alonzo and the cast of Preachers of LA at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
67
Luke James

Luke James at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
68
Elle Varner

Elle Varner at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival.

Star Gazing from Last Year’s ESSENCE Festival
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