Beyonce has said in a statement that she feels honoured to have been asked to headline a New Orleans festival next year, with a gig set to take place at the Louisiana Superdome, which was rebuilt, as previously reported, following the devastation wrought on the city by Hurricane Katrina.
Beyonce says: "I am so honoured to perform at the Essence Festival as a solo act upon its return to New Orleans, post-Katrina. Essence has been a true believer in the rich heritage of this amazing city and its wonderful people. My family's roots are deep in this area so this will be a wonderful reunion for us."
The festival takes place on 6 Jul 2007.