Grammy-winning R&B legend Stephanie Mills has formally addressed the organizers of the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture. In an open letter, she expressed gratitude but also criticized the recent event’s mismanagement and delays.
A Message of Praise and Concern
Mills began her letter by acknowledging the honor she felt. “Thank you for giving me a platform at Essence Fest,” she wrote. She described the festival as a celebration of Black culture and sisterhood—an opportunity she holds dear.
But she did not hold back on highlighting the event’s flaws. Mills pointed out that performers faced disorganization and poor coordination. She described the experience as “multifaceted challenges” that overshadowed the celebration.
Expectation vs. Reality
In her letter, she praised the organizers for including a “premium Superlounge stage.” She explained that the gesture had potential. Yet, she noted that VVIP-only access caused confusion. Many fans assumed the entire audience could attend. Instead, Mills wrote, it “missed the mark” in execution.
Mills addressed the widely shared footage of Lauryn Hill’s late-night performance. She wrote, “We’re artists. We depend on time.” She went on to say that delays “are not just inconvenient—they are disheartening.” The singer asked organizers to step up their planning for future lineups.
Proposals for Moving Forward
Though disappointed, Mills remained constructive. She asked organizers to improve communication on access policies. She wants transparency around performance times and who can attend each stage.
She also suggested clearer updates for media and fans. She emphasized that timeliness shows respect for artists and audiences alike. Her letter closed with an appeal: “Let’s make Essence Fest better—together.”
Mills acknowledged the festival’s impact beyond music. She praised its contribution to New Orleans’ economy and its ongoing legacy. “Essence Fest has always meant community, culture, commerce,” she stated. Her tone reflected respect for the festival’s potential, mixed with determination for accountability.
A Call for Accountability
Her letter did not shy away from hard truths. She described production delays as a “dark cloud over an otherwise brilliant event.” Yet she did so respectfully. She wrote that her comments aim not to shame, but to spark improvement.
Her firm yet fair words appear designed to foster growth. She closed with a message of unity: “We owe it to our culture to elevate every experience.”
Organizers have not yet issued a direct response to Mills’ letter. They previously issued an apology for scheduling confusion and delays, promising stronger communication in the future .