Mya, Chole Bailey, Normani & More Honor Aaliyah @ Essence Fest!

Essence Fest 2026 went down this 4th of July weekend in New Orleans, and the star-studded event ate and left no crumbs!

Friday night (which was opening night), Cardi B made her Essence Fest debut, joined by Kehlani and Latto! Saturday night, auntie Patti took the stage along with Leon Thomas, plus Brandy and Monica! And Sunday night, Babyface blessed the stage, George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic celebrated 50 years of the Mothership, Dougie Fresh had an all-star set, Cleveland’s own Durand Bernarr did his thing, and so many more represented for the Fest this year! Closing night closed out with an amazing tribute to the late Aaliya, curated by Missy Elliot herself!

In honor of “baby girl,” Mya, Normani, Chole Bailey, Sevyn Streeter, and Ryan Destiny delivered! Check out the tribute and us know what you think!