Essence Festival shows support for Lauryn Hill in a lengthy statement following her delayed 2 a.m. performance on July 5.

Essence Festival organizers come to the defense of the legendary Lauryn Hill after the singer appeared at roughly 2:30 AM for a stadium performance. On July 5, Essence Festival attendees were not enthused when legendary singer Lauryn Hill appeared late—at roughly 2:30 AM—to perform for a mostly empty stadium.

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.