Even though Maxwell closed out the show, New Edition shut the house down with their old school dance moves, outfit changes and hits like “Candy Girl”, “Stop the Rain”, “Poison”, and “NE Heartbreak.” Though we missed Bobby Brown girating to “My Prerogative,” New Edition held it down.
The opening performance for the kick off show Friday night was “The Voice” superstar Avery Wilson. He seemed to have shocked the audience as they sat in amazement of his strong, powerful voice. I must admit Wilson was a refreshing surprise as his dynamic voice literally sent chills up my arm. I don’t believe anyone else was quite expecting the RCA/Bet I Penned it (label) signed artist to sing Prince’s “Purple Rain” with so much passion and grace. It was amazing to see the Sean Garrett mentored artist was able to hold his own when it came time to deliver amongst the big names on the lineup opening night. Veterans like Faith Evans, Maxwell, Estelle, New Edition and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds were all first night acts.
Of course we expected Faith Evans would have everyone up and on their feet jamming to the songs we have grown to love her for over the decades as a veteran artist. Faith looked very youthful, her body was amazing, she is aging with grace and her voice is more amazing than ever.
Babyface created timeless love songs that have you thinking back on past relationships and re-evaluating your lover. I bet there were a few thousand in attendance that were texting exes during the concert as his songs take you right back to that old relationship and the moment in time when you can remember exactly who you were involved with when he, Daryl Simmons, and Bo Watson penned “Love should have brought you home last night” sung by Toni Braxton.
New Edition announced that in 2017 the group that’s been together for thirty years will finally be receiving their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. What a blessing that will be for the boy band group who have formed a bond closer than most blood related brothers and this will be another notch in their belt marking one of the many accomplishments they have been able to achieve over the years. I admit it’s inspiring to see the longevity of groups such as New Edition, artists like Charlie Wilson and Babyface working in an industry where you can be hot today and forgotten tomorrow.
The Essence Festival seemed to keep it classy on Saturday night, switching things up a bit. Charlie Wilson, Estelle, and Mariah Carey definitely didn’t disappoint. But on Sunday the talk was all about seeing Audra Day on the main stage, Kendrick Lamar and seeing Puff Daddy turn up like he’s been promising his boys all week. P Diddy most certainly came and entertained us just like only he knows how to since the passing of the late great Biggie Smalls.
Special thanks to all the brands that sponsor the Essence Festival year after year, so we can have an outlet and a platform for our brands to live and grow. This year’s Essence Festival concert series was made possible by supporters and sponsors such as State Farms, Verizon, Ford, and 365 Black McDonald’s. Check out the photo gallery, after the break.
