Victoria Monét, an American R&B singer and songwriter, has steadily risen to prominence over the past decade. Initially recognized for her songwriting, Monét embarked on a recording career, releasing a series of extended plays (EPs). Her fifth EP, “Jaguar” (2020), received critical acclaim, paving the way for her debut studio album, “Jaguar II” (2023). This album marked her commercial breakthrough, featuring the hit single “On My Mama,” which peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered a Grammy Award nomination for Record of the Year. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, Monét earned seven nominations and won three, including Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
Monét has often cited Janet Jackson as a major influence and inspiration in her work. In November 2023, Jackson attended one of Monét’s concerts in London, where they exchanged public displays of admiration. This moment was noted by the team at Essence Ventures, the festival’s New York-based parent company, who sought to create a lineup that reflected this organic connection.
“We look at moments that happen amongst artists organically, and how we then create a lineup representative of that,” said Hakeem Holmes, vice-president of Essence Festival. Inspired by their interaction in London, Essence arranged for Monét to precede Jackson on the main stage at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday, the final night of the 30th anniversary Essence Fest.
Holmes highlighted Monét’s consistent homage to both Janet and Michael Jackson in her work, particularly her “Alright” video released in June 2024. “When we’re looking at how to shape cross-generational cultural moments, that is what we’re looking for. To have a sort of passing of the torch at our event,” Holmes explained.
Janet Jackson has a storied history with Essence Festival. In 2022, she headlined the highest-grossing night in the festival’s history. In 2018, she memorialized her father onstage at Essence just a week after his death. “That is who the Essence Festival is,” Holmes said. “We pour into our artists, and our artists pour into us.”
Securing Jackson for the festival’s 30th anniversary proved challenging. She had booked an extensive summer tour, including a July 23 stop at the Smoothie King Center. To accommodate Essence, Jackson canceled the Smoothie King Center date and restructured her travel schedule. Following a Friday concert in Buffalo, New York, and a Saturday gig in Hershey, Pennsylvania, she’ll fly to New Orleans for her Sunday showcase at Essence before resuming her Together Again Tour in Newark, New Jersey, on Tuesday.
“All of our conversations were specifically with Janet’s team,” Holmes said regarding Jackson’s return to Essence. “She was committed to doing this show because it is our 30th.”
In a significant nod to her influence and legacy, Janet Jackson’s willingness to adapt her schedule underscores her dedication to Essence Festival. Meanwhile, Victoria Monét’s performance preceding Jackson symbolizes a vibrant passing of the torch, celebrating the evolution of R&B and the enduring impact of Janet Jackson on new generations of artists.