Lauryn Hill is setting the record straight after fans were left confused and disappointed by a two-hour delay at her headlining set during the 2025 Essence Festival in New Orleans. Originally scheduled to perform at 12:30 a.m., Hill didn’t take the stage until around 2:30 a.m., playing to a significantly thinned-out crowd.

Taking to Instagram, the Grammy-winning artist thanked Essence Festival organizers for owning up to the delay and used the moment to share a deeper message about her commitment to her craft.

“Family, let me address a few things,” Hill wrote. “I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows, because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do.”

She explained that her hands-on approach spans everything from music arrangement and rehearsals to stage design and production. “I rehearse and arrange the music diligently with my band,” she continued. “I am involved in every aspect of design, preparation, and production of my shows while also being a parent, grandparent, and steward to my immediate family and community.”

Hill also touched on how she strives to create meaningful performances and challenge divisive narratives, even if it means facing setbacks like production delays, something that has impacted her shows in the past.

The Essence Festival team publicly acknowledged that the delay was not Hill’s fault, praising her legacy and the dedication she brings to every performance.

Despite the challenges, Hill remains committed to giving fans an authentic and intentional experience on her own terms