The Essence Festival 2025 is loaded with talent. Big names. Fresh voices. And everything in between. It is one of the biggest festivals in the US, celebrating Black culture.
If you’re heading to New Orleans this July, you already know the energy will be at the next level. But who should you make sure to catch? Who’s going to shut down the stage and give you a memory for life?
Here’s your deep dive into the performers lighting up Essence Festival 2025. From chart-toppers to future icons, these are the artists to know.
GloRilla: From Memphis to the Main Stage
The first artist we will discuss is GloRilla. The upcoming months will introduce her to everyone who has not already discovered her yet.
Her debut single, F.N.F. (Let’s Go), launched her career as an anthem for girls who have reached their limits. Since then, she’s only gone up. Raw flow. Southern grit. Her stage presence delivers a powerful impact that feels like a speeding train.
GloRilla will deliver her high-energy performance at the Superdome during Essence Festival 2025. The performance will feature deep bass music combined with elegant dance moves and an energetic show that will get the entire audience moving.
You should not miss her performance because she delivers authentic and powerful entertainment.
The upcoming 2025 tour setlists suggest she will perform songs including Blessed, HOLLON, Wanna Be, Lay Down, BOP, LET HER COOK, Lick or Sum, and STOP PLAYING. The concerts begin with Blessed and end with powerful anthems such as “Yeah Glo!” and her hit single F.N.F (Let’s Go) featuring Hitkidd, which always gets the audience standing.
Summer Walker: The Queen of R&B Feels
When Summer Walker sings, you feel it. That’s what makes her one of the most talked-about R&B voices of this generation.
She’s not flashy. She’s not loud. But when she hits the mic, she commands attention. Her albums Over It and Still Over It became instant classics. Songs like Session 32, Playing Games, and Ex for a Reason hit deep.
This year at Essence Festival 2025, Summer brings her emotional, stripped-down sound to a massive stage. Her set will likely be smoother, slower, and more vulnerable than some of the high-energy acts. But it’ll hit just as hard.
If you need a moment to vibe and reflect, this is the one.
Maxwell: The Soul Icon Returns
Maxwell continues to improve with age instead of declining as other artists do.
Maxwell has been part of the Essence family for years, and every time he shows up, it is a masterclass. He performs live shows that feel eternal because of his floating voice and his classy style.
His music collection spans from Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder) to Pretty Wings, and it is abundant. Deep. Romantic. Soulful.
Maxwell will create the atmosphere at Essence Festival 2025 instead of just performing at the event. The performance at Essence Festival 2025 stands as an absolute necessity for both devoted fans and first-time listeners. Period.
What About the Schedule?
Great question. The Essence Festival 2025 performance schedule is packed. Set times, stage locations, and special events are all laid out.
So if you’re trying to catch GloRilla without missing Summer… or plan your whole night around Maxwell’s surprise set… you’ll need to check the full lineup.
Click here for the full Essence Festival 2025 Lineup and Schedule
Trust us – build your schedule early. It helps avoid missing your favorites or getting stuck in long lines between sets.
Why the Lineup Matters
The Essence Festival chooses its yearly performers to build a story each festival season.
The 2025 Essence Festival brings together both celebratory and elevating musical experiences. Women dominating stages. The legends perform to demonstrate their enduring position as leaders in their field. New musical talents emerge to share their talents with the world.
The event extends beyond its musical nature. The Essence Festival showcases Black excellence through multiple generations. The Essence Festival 2025 lineup holds significant importance.
The performers at this year’s event will deliver their all, whether you sing along to Usher’s timeless hits or discover fresh artists for the first time.
Plan Your Essence Experience
Ready to build your weekend around these unforgettable acts?
Explore the complete Essence Festival 2025 lineup and lock in your tickets (affiliate link). Don’t leave it to chance. The best moments always go fast.
