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Essence Festival 2014: The Stars Come Out For The 20th Anniversary Of The Essence Festival (PHOTOS)  was originally published on globalgrind.com

1. Erykah Badu performs at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by McDonald’s.

Erykah Badu performs at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by McDonald’s.

2. Anthony Anderson stops by the Essence Festival to talk about his new sitcom, “Black-ish.”

Anthony Anderson stops by the Essence Festival to talk about his new sitcom, “Black-ish.”

3. Iyanla Vanzant hits the red carpet before the McDonald’s 365Black Awards.

Iyanla Vanzant hits the red carpet before the McDonald’s 365Black Awards.

4. Terrence J hits the red carpet before the McDonald’s 365Black Awards.

Terrence J hits the red carpet before the McDonald’s 365Black Awards.

5. Janelle Monae opens for Prince at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

Janelle Monae opens for Prince at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

6. Kevin Liles hits the red carpet before the McDonald’s 365Black Awards.

Kevin Liles hits the red carpet before the McDonald’s 365Black Awards.

7. August Alsina at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

August Alsina at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

8. Tamar Braxton performs at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

Tamar Braxton performs at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

9. Sevyn Streeter chats during an intimate dinner at NOLA’s Borgne Restaurant, sponsored by Ford.

Sevyn Streeter chats during an intimate dinner at NOLA’s Borgne Restaurant, sponsored by Ford.

10. Sevyn Streeter chats during an intimate dinner at NOLA’s Borgne Restaurant, sponsored by Ford.

Sevyn Streeter chats during an intimate dinner at NOLA’s Borgne Restaurant, sponsored by Ford.

11. Common performs at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

Common performs at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

12. Mary J. Blige performs at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

Mary J. Blige performs at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome in New Orleans during the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival, presented by Coca Cola.

13. Janell Snowden poses at McDonald’s “Infused” dinner, which featured McDonald’s cuisine re-imagined and focused on McDonald’s deeply rooted involvement in the community.

Janell Snowden poses at McDonald’s “Infused” dinner, which featured McDonald’s cuisine re-imagined and focused on McDonald’s deeply rooted involvement in the community.

14. Omarosa makes an appearance at the convention center during the Essence Festival.

Omarosa makes an appearance at the convention center during the Essence Festival.

15. Tiny makes an appearance backstage at the Essence Festival.

Tiny makes an appearance backstage at the Essence Festival.

16. Rev. Al Sharpton, Essence President Michelle Ebanks and more gather for the Essence Festival Kick-Off Press Conference, presented by Coca Cola.

Rev. Al Sharpton, Essence President Michelle Ebanks and more gather for the Essence Festival Kick-Off Press Conference, presented by Coca Cola.

17. Jesse Boykins III walks the golden carpet at the McDonald’s 365Black Awards in New Orleans.

Jesse Boykins III walks the golden carpet at the McDonald’s 365Black Awards in New Orleans.

18. Mali Music gives an intimate performance at the My Black is Beautiful dinner, held at the Gem Saloon, presented by P&G.

Mali Music gives an intimate performance at the My Black is Beautiful dinner, held at the Gem Saloon, presented by P&G.

19. The Braxton sisters strike a pose at the My Black is Beautiful dinner, held at the Gem Saloon, presented by P&G.

The Braxton sisters strike a pose at the My Black is Beautiful dinner, held at the Gem Saloon, presented by P&G.

20. Tamar Braxton, Vince and Lisa Nichols chat at the “My Black Is Beautiful,” dinner, presented by P&G.

Tamar Braxton, Vince and Lisa Nichols chat at the “My Black Is Beautiful,” dinner, presented by P&G.

21. Lance Gross and Regina Hall chat with Verizon and publisher Jamie Foster Brown at Verizon’s Dooky Chase dinner in New Orleans.

Lance Gross and Regina Hall chat with Verizon and publisher Jamie Foster Brown at Verizon’s Dooky Chase dinner in New Orleans.

22. K. Michelle shows off her curves in the press room at the Super Dome.

K. Michelle shows off her curves in the press room at the Super Dome.

23. Nas, who just celebrated the 20th anniversary of “Illmatic,” comes out to support the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival.

Nas, who just celebrated the 20th anniversary of “Illmatic,” comes out to support the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival.