Aaliyah’s legacy is set to take center stage at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

Nearly 25 years after her tragic death, the beloved R&B icon will be honored with a star-powered tribute led by her longtime friend and collaborator, Missy Elliott. ESSENCE announced the special performance on Monday (June 22), positioning it as one of the festival’s marquee moments.

The tribute arrives during a landmark period for Aaliyah’s enduring catalog. The year 2026 marks 25 years since the singer’s passing and 30 years since the release of her groundbreaking sophomore album, One in a Million. Produced alongside Elliott and Timbaland, the project transformed the sound of contemporary R&B and helped cement Aaliyah as one of music’s most influential voices.

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