The festival kicked off yesterday with performances from Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia and many more. Taraji P. Henson, Lance Gross, Kesia Knight Pulliam and Hosea Chanchez were spotted in the crowd as well as LeToya Luckett and Slim Thug- who could possible be back together…hm!
Check out a few pictures from the festival below! (Pictures via Necolebitchie.com)

2011 Essence Music Festival

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Come Join HelloBeautiful And African Pride at the Essence Music Festival

Mary J. Blige, JHud, Fantasia & More To Appear At The 2011 Essence Music Festival

Macy Gray, she of the madness and mad talent, is BACK . Does she hit or miss? Check it out…

The fabulous Macy Gray is back with a high fashion look and a new sound. We loved this new album named The Sellout and hope you will too. Check it out — Macy Gray’s thoughts on The Sellout in an exclusive EPK — video after the jump!

Watch the video below: Macy Gray opens up about her new album and the personal growths throughout the making of “The Sellout.”

Macy Gray‘s new album The Sellout is hot! Check it out. Go Macy!!

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VIDEO: Macy Gray’s “Beauty In The World”

What do you think? Let’s chat about it in the comments on Twitter or Facebook.

VIDEO: Macy Gray Talks Sexy Men and Ex Boyfriends

And you know where to find me: my new weekly show “Abiola on LSD: Love, Sex, Dating and Drama,” following Star and Bucwild on Shovio, monthly at “Abiola’s Kiss and Tell Live Revue” at Madame X, daily on AbiolaTV.com, and of course buy Dare by Abiola Abrams wherever you buy books.

Macy Gray is back on track. Gray has gone back to the sound of “I Try” with her new single, “Beauty in the World”, which is being favorably received overseas.

The singer has a new CD coming out this year titled “The Sellout” and about to star in a major Hollywood movie.

Take a look and tell us what you think:

VIDEO: Macy Gray talks sexy men and ex-boyfriends

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GALLERY: Macy Gray Parties All The Time

Macy Gray’s list of sexiest men? Part of my dubious duties? To bring you love, sex and dating information that you never knew that you needed. Check out a sober Macy Gray talking about men. And we just have to add that any list of sexy men that doesn’t include yummy Idris Elba isn’t worth a damn!

Watch… And don’t forget to watch my exclusive interview with Ryan Leslie.

What do you think?

UPDATE: On the third week of “Dancing With The Stars,” singer Mya and her partner Dmitry Chaplin stepped things up, stealing the spotlight with a sexy rumba. Their moves, fast and furious, left all of the judges marveling and left the pair with the first perfect 10s of the season – from judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.

Judge Len Goodman, who marked Mya way down back in the first week, demurred again and scored her as just a 7, saying that the choreography was too busy to properly show her off. (The couples performance seemed to have a higher level of difficulty compared to other contestants, including several intricate holds.)

Watch how they did it below:

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“Mya Shucks & Jives on “DWTS”

UPDATE: Mya brought the sassiness last night on “Dancing With The Stars”, the singer and partner Dmitri Chaplin danced an outstanding and energetic jive that also earned straight 9′s from the judges.

Take a look:

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“Macy Gray Eliminated From ‘DWTS’”

UPDATE: Singer Macy Gray is leaving the “Dancing With The Stars” ballroom. Last night, she became one of two first contestants to be eliminated on the ninth season of the ABC dance-off. Gray had only scored 19 points for her two dances Tuesday. Judges admired her unique take on the Viennese waltz – “It was beautiful in it’s own bizarre way,” judge Carrie Ann Inaba said – but Gray and professional partner Jonathan Roberts still landed in last place. The 42-year-old Grammy winner said she “had a good time” on the show. “Ballroom isn’t my calling exactly, but I learned a little bit,” she said.

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“Mya vs. Macy Gray: Who Killed It On ‘DWTS’?”

Two of the must-watch contestants on Dancing With the Stars performed yesterday on the shows second installment of its three-day premiere. Mya and Macy Gray both danced the Viennese Waltz to an awful rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” and needless to say one star outshone the either. Can you guess who?

Score: 21

Judges: Carrie Ann (8) thought it was gorgeous across the board and Bruno (8) could barely contain himself when Len (5), who gave such a low score, objected to the lack of traditional choreography. “That was artistry and emotion!” Bruno protested, loudly. But Len wouldn’t be shushed. Pointing to Mya, he said, “You are a fantastic dancer.” Pointing to Dmitry, “You have let her down!”

Score: 15

Judges: Carrie Ann (6) called her awkwardness a “natural genuineness,” while Bruno (5) compared her performance to “a child taking her first steps into a scary new world.” Len gave the score of 4. So the overall verdict was charming but ragged around all the edges.

“Dancing” Curse Begins! Mya Injured!

Mya & Other Artists Pay Tribute to 9/11 Through Song

Macy Gray Parties In Hollywood

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UPDATE:

Check out the VIDEO from Macy Gray’s drunken night: