A presentation of the Essence Awards, saluting outstanding African-American women. Ann Margaret was a presenter in this years show. The Essence Awards are the largest event celebrating African-American culture and music in the United States. In Louisiana, the Awards show is locally referred to as the Essence Fest, and the Awards show has been held in New Orleans, Louisiana every year since 1995 except for 2006, when it was held in Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Katrina. It features artists simultaneously performing on a main stage as well as four standing-room only, superlounge stages.