Jennifer Hudson, Kanye West, And N.E.R.D. Hit The Essence Music Festival

Idolator Staff | July 3, 2011 1:07 pm

The Essence Music Festival took over this 4th of July holiday weekend at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, treating fans to performances by a number of American Idol vets as well as R&B/hip hop heavies like Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, and Usher. Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia shared the main stage Friday, and for her cover of the Michael Jackson tribute “I’ll Be There,” J-Hud brought out another former Idol contestant — her current backup singer, George Huff. Meanwhile, at one point on Saturday, the outspoken Kanye West elected to have his DJ play some classic hits and dance along to his faves for several minutes (only Yeezy could away with this), while N.E.R.D. hit the House of Blues. See it all below.

The Essence Fest also featured appearances from the likes of Boyz II Men, Miguel, and Sisqo.