After dismantling all before them at this World Cup, France had to find a new way to win against a Paraguay side whose use of the dark arts angered many of those watching.

After dismantling all before them at this World Cup, France had to find a new way to win against a Paraguay side whose use of the dark arts angered many of those watching.

Influencers are showing the world why they think Manchester is a great place it is to live.

Influencers are showing the world why they think Manchester is a great place it is to live.

With “Gilmore Girls” leaving Netflix, this is more important now than ever!

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The Sunday Times said the Reform UK leader failed to declare benefits from an ally convicted of fraud in the US.

As Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 YA novel makes its way to the big screen, she has no plans to watch the first film adaptation of her work. The Children of Blood & Bone author recently addressed a fan’s question about why she hasn’t spoken more about the upcoming Gina Prince-Bythewood-helmed Paramount adaptation, premiering Jan. 15. “There […]

Gustavo Gómez lamentó la eliminación ante Francia, pero destacó la entrega de Paraguay durante el Mundial. Agradeció el apoyo de la afición y aseguró que competir ante las mejores selecciones fortalece al equipo y demuestra que la Albirroja nunca se rinde

The 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture kicked off at the Caesars Superdome on Friday night with a lineup featuring one of the world’s most recognizable public figures and several of music’s biggest names. Michelle Obama, Latto, Kehlani, and Cardi B helped open this year’s Evening Concert Series, giving attendees plenty to talk about before the weekend had really gotten started.

SZN4 began the evening before Keke Palmer welcomed Obama to the stage for a conversation surrounding fashion and personal style. The former first lady discussed her book, The Look, and the podcast IMO: The Look, giving attendees another opportunity to hear from a familiar ESSENCE Festival guest. Obama previously appeared at the Festival in 2019, when she sat down with Gayle King for a conversation inside the Superdome.

This year’s curator of culture, Teyana Taylor, also made an appearance alongside members of her creative collective, The Aunties. Throughout the evening, additional entertainment filled the breaks between performances, including Rose-Thorns-in-Harmony and an appearance from the Zulu Tramps. Hosts Kenny Burns and Danielle Brooks kept the program moving as the night transitioned into its slate of musical performances.

Latto brought one of the evening’s most energetic sets. Backed by dancers and musicians, the Atlanta rapper performed songs including “Get Money Girl” and “Georgia Peach” while commanding a stage decorated with pink cheetah-print risers. The production matched the confidence fans have come to expect from the Grammy-nominated artist, who kept the Superdome engaged throughout her performance.

Kehlani followed with a set drawing heavily from her self-titled fifth studio album, released earlier this year. Songs including “No Such Thing” and “Shoulda Never” introduced the audience to the latest chapter of the singer’s catalog. She also performed fan favorites, giving longtime listeners plenty to enjoy before wrapping her amazing performance.

Cardi B closed the first night of the Evening Concert Series shortly before midnight. The Grammy Award-winning rapper arrived with the energy needed to bring Friday’s show to its conclusion. Her elaborate wardrobe and commanding stage presence immediately captured the crowd’s attention as she worked through records from her catalog, namely “Bodak Yellow,” “Up,” and several others.

Friday’s concert served as the beginning of a full weekend of programming at Caesars Superdome. With performances and special appearances continuing throughout the weekend, opening night gave Festival attendees an early taste of what to expect from this year’s Concert Series.

ESSENCE Festival of Culture continues through Sunday, July 5, in New Orleans.

Tickets for the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® are available now. Hotel packages and travel offerings are also available for those planning their stay in New Orleans. Additional talent, programming, and special moments will be announced in the coming weeks. Follow @ESSENCEFest on X, Facebook, and Instagram to stay connected.

The vows have been exchanged, the party is over, and slowly, details are emerging about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding. Lilia Luciano reports.

While many in the U.S. light fireworks on the Fourth of July, some towns are turning to drones as a cleaner, quieter alternative. Mark Strassmann gets a preview in Texas.

Marruecos goleó 3-0 a Canadá y se convirtió en la primera selección africana con dos presencias en cuartos de final de un Mundial. Francia sufrió, pero venció 1-0 a Paraguay con un gol de penal de Kylian Mbappé para seguir en carrera.