BeyEssenceMain.jpg

A superstar songstress closed out the Essence Music Festival Sunday with a performance of her hits. Beyoncé, 31, took over New Orleans’ Superdome and performed for over 70,000 people, a new record for the annual fest.

The former Destiny’s Child star donned several sparkly ensembles and encouraged the crowd to get on their feet and party.

“This is not the show to sit down and be all cool. I need y’all to dance!” she said at the beginning of her set. ”Y’all scream so Whitney  [Houston] could hear,” she later added.

Several celebs who watched the performance live tweeted their praises for the singer including Brandy who couldn’t stop gushing about Baddie Bey.

[wzslider autoplay=”true”]