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Janet Jackson to play Essence music fest

Singer and actress Janet Jackson arrives for the 19th Annual Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on April 26, 2008. Jackson was honored with the Vanguard Award. (UPI Photo/Seiji Yamada)
Singer and actress Janet Jackson arrives for the 19th Annual Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on April 26, 2008. Jackson was honored with the Vanguard Award. (UPI Photo/Seiji Yamada) | License Photo

NEW YORK, March 30 (UPI) -- Pop star Janet Jackson has been booked to perform at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this July, organizers said.

The festival is to run July 2-4 and Jackson is to be its final headliner.

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The announcement was made Tuesday in celebration of Jackson's iTunes release of "Nothing," the theme song she performs, co-wrote and co-produced for "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?" The movie opens nationwide Friday.

"This year's Essence Music Festival lineup is headed up by three of the most talented and powerful women in music today," Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., said in a statement. "With the return of both Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys, and the first-ever performance from Janet Jackson, I can't think of a better way to celebrate Essence's 40th anniversary."

Also slated to perform during the festival are Arrested Development, Big Sam's Funky Nation, DJ Soul Sister, Estelle, Hot 8 Brass Band, Irma Thomas, Irvin Mayfield and NOJO, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, Lalah Hathaway, Leo Jackson and the Melody Clouds, Little Freddie King, LL Cool J, Mary Mary, Mint Condition, Monica, Rebirth Brass Band, Ruben Studdard, Sam & Ruby, Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Trey Songz and WAR.

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Actor, writer, comedian and entrepreneur Thomas W. Miles II -- known professionally as Nephew Tommy -- is to serve as the master of ceremonies for the festival's nightly concerts at the Louisiana Superdome.

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