Diana Ross to headline Essence Festival

NEW ORLEANS (AP):

For the first time, music icon Diana Ross brings her star power to a stage at the 2017 Essence Festival in New Orleans.

Ross was among the headliners announced on Thursday for the festival annually held in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Joining Ross at the 23rd annual event, presented by Coca-Cola, will be R&B's Mary J Blige, John Legend, Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, India.Arie, Jazmine Sullivan, Lalah Hathaway and first-timer Michel'le.

Blige, a festival veteran, returns in 2017 to headline a special night themed 'My Path to Strength', at which she will introduce her highly anticipated project, Strength of a Woman.

Others on tap for the festival scheduled June 30-July 2 include Doug E Fresh, Master P, Moses Sumney, Ro James, Shaggy, Solange, Teyana Taylor, Trombone Shorty, Tweet, Yuna, and Sir the Baptist.