Pop Culture
Watch Marsha Ambrosius Honor Patti LaBelle With Breathtaking ‘If Only You Knew’ Performance
At a star-studded Black Excellence Brunch, Marsha Ambrosius turns Patti LaBelle’s R&B classic into a tear-jerking Essence Fest moment you need to see
ByBernadette Giacomazzo
July 6, 2026
One of the standout moments surrounding Essence Fest 2026 happened away from the Superdome stage, when Marsha Ambrosius paid tribute to Patti LaBelle with a soaring rendition of one of the icon’s signature songs, “If Only You Knew.”
The performance took place during Trell Thomas’ Black Excellence Brunch, where LaBelle was honored in front of fellow artists, industry figures, and festival attendees. As Ambrosius delivered the 1983 classic, LaBelle looked on before praising the performance, even joking with the crowd about nursing a sore foot while enjoying the celebration
For longtime R&B fans, the moment carried extra significance. Ambrosius has long been associated with “If Only You Knew,” first drawing widespread acclaim for her performance of the song during LaBelle’s BET Lifetime Achievement Award tribute in 2011
The song remains one of the defining records of LaBelle’s solo career. Released as the lead single from her 1983 album I’m in Love Again, “If Only You Knew” spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard R&B chart in early 1984 and became the first solo hit to firmly establish LaBelle as a chart force after years of success with the Labelle group. Written by Dexter Wansel and Cynthia Biggs, the song paired restrained verses with the powerhouse vocals that would become LaBelle’s trademark
Producer Dexter Wansel later recalled that LaBelle immediately connected with the song’s emotional message. “She loved it from the very beginning,” he said, adding that she believed it spoke for “a lot of lonely people out there who loved other people and didn’t really know how to say it.”
Ambrosius has built her own reputation as one of R&B’s premier vocalists and songwriters, penning music for artists including Michael Jackson while maintaining a close relationship with LaBelle over the years
The tribute also added another memorable chapter to an Essence Fest weekend packed with performances and cultural moments. Patti LaBelle was already part of the festival’s Saturday night lineup alongside Brandy & Monica, while Kehlani, Cardi B, Babyface, Public Enemy, George Clinton & Friends, and others appeared throughout the weekend
Festivalgoers also witnessed Missy Elliott’s tribute to Aaliyah and conversations featuring Keke Palmer, Sanaa Lathan, and other cultural figures
Under the creative direction of Teyana Taylor, who said she wanted this year’s festival to “feel like home again,” Essence Fest has leaned heavily into celebrating Black music across generations
Related Stories
pop-culture
Sanaa Lathan Tells Keke Palmer How She Finally Stopped Drinking
Inside the raw Essence Fest talk where Sanaa Lathan links anxiety, rejection, and Hollywood pressure to the alcoholism she had to escape
Bernadette Giacomazzo24 hours ago
pop-culture
Teyana Taylor Named Chief Curator of Essence Fest 2026
The multi-hyphenate will help shape the festival’s creative direction as organizers roll out the 2026 lineup in New Orleans
Bernadette Giacomazzo110 days ago
pop-culture
Teyana Taylor Wants Essence Fest to ‘Feel Like Home Again’
As Essence Fest’s new chief curator, Teyana Taylor reveals how she’ll restore the festival’s roots while leveling up the entire New Orleans experience
Bernadette Giacomazzo29 days ago
Trending
1MusicLil Wayne Ends Speculation He Got Engaged to 23-Year-Old, Confirms He’s Single: ‘Sucks’
2MusicTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce Wedding: Trey Smith’s Sister Catches Bouquet
3Pop CulturePenélope Cruz Admits She’s ‘Still Learning’ After 15 Years of Marriage to Javier Bardem
4MusicLance ‘Un’ Rivera Responds to Jay-Z’s Roots Picnic Freestyle With Open Letter
5MusicQueen Latifah Reacts to Surprise Flowers From Nas and DJ Premier: ‘That’s a Whole Different Thing’
6Pop Culture6ix9ine Trolls Lil Tjay for Getting Slapped by Jack Doherty on Livestream
Editor’s Pick
MusicThe Best Albums Of 2026 (So Far)
StyleHow to Style Soccer Jerseys
MusicThe 15 Best Rap Verses Of 2026 (So Far)
MusicHip-Hop Media Power Ranking: The 2026 Edition
SneakersEvery Air Jordan Releasing in 2026
