Michelle Obama To Headline 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE Fest

Forever First Lady Michelle Obama has officially been tapped to headline the 25th anniversary of Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, joining a long list of highly anticipated celebrity appearances. 

“We are indescribably thrilled and honored to have ‘Forever First Lady’ Michelle Obama as a part of our 25 Anniversary ESSENCE Festival, which will mark our most exciting and extensive programming to date,” CEO of Essence Communications Michelle Ebanks said in a statement.

“As inspiring and aspirational as it is relatable, Mrs. Obama’s story – told on her own terms – is a remarkable example and celebration of everyday Black women who accomplish extraordinary things, who confront challenges with courage and truth, and who reminds us that all things are possible when we support one another,” Ebanks continued. 

Obama’s headlining appearance will serve as the first lady’s first since the release and subsequent overwhelming success of her memoir, “Becoming,” in which she shares her deeply personal experiences and journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House. 

Joining the likes of Mary J. Blige, Nas, Missy Elliott, H.E.R, Teyana Taylor and more than 75 other performers, Obama is set to divulge all things her record-breaking memoir, life after the White House and her plans for the future in an exclusive sit-down interview. This year’s festival will also reportedly be “a celebration of 1994’s most cultural impactful and transformative albums that redefined pop culture,” which will be “curated and performed by the original artists,” throughout the weekend. 

The Real’s Loni Love will host the event, becoming the first female ever to do so.