Fans who stuck around for Hill’s performance got a treat. A robust band of more than 10 members played as Black history montages filled the background screens. Hill emerged in a blue polka dot full-length dress wearing a gele atop her head and a low-hanging statement necklace showcasing what appeared to be fertility figurines.

Essence Festival is taking the blame for Lauryn Hill's set being delayed until the wee hours of Friday night (July 4), when she ended up touching the New Orleans Superdome stage after 2:30 a.m. ET first thing Saturday morning.

Essence Festival organizers have taken responsibility for a concert that ran so far behind schedule that Lauryn Hill wound up taking the stage at around 2:30 in the morning. Delays completely derailed the opening day of the 31st annual event,