New Orleans isn’t just a city; it’s a rhythm, a soul, a feeling. Known as the birthplace of jazz and a cradle of countless musical revolutions, the Big Easy has long been a mecca for performers from around the globe. Some of the world’s most iconic celebrities have graced New Orleans stages, and many left with more than applause—they left inspired.
Here are ten unforgettable celebrities who’ve performed in New Orleans and what they had to say about it.
1. Taylor Swift
Venue: Caesars Superdome (2024 Eras Tour)
What She Said: “There’s something electric about performing here. You can feel the history in the room. Thank you for the magic, New Orleans.”
The Eras Tour stop in New Orleans was one of the most talked-about events of the year, drawing Swifties from all over the South. The city saw a surge in tourism, with hotels and local businesses benefiting from the economic boost. For a full recap of the Eras Tour in New Orleans, check out WWL-TV’s coverage.
2. Kendrick Lamar
Venue: Essence Festival, Super Bowl Halftime Connection
What He Said: “This city gave birth to a lot of what I do. The rhythm, the soul—it’s all here.”
Kendrick Lamar’s performance at Essence Fest was a high-energy, socially conscious experience that paid homage to New Orleans’ influence on hip-hop. His respect for jazz, bounce, and Southern culture shined through his entire set.
3. Beyoncé
Venue: Superdome (Formation World Tour)
What She Said: “NOLA is like home. My roots are here.”
With family ties to Louisiana, Beyoncé’s performance felt more like a homecoming. She paid tribute to Creole heritage through her visuals and music, sending waves of pride throughout the city.
4. Bruce Springsteen
Venue: Jazz Fest
What He Said: “This place knows how to live. And it sure as hell knows how to listen.”
The Boss lit up Jazz Fest with a performance steeped in blues and Americana, drawing connections between New Orleans’ musical history and his own Jersey roots. Jazz Fest’s official site offers archives of legendary performances.
5. Solange
Venue: Orpheum Theater, Voodoo Fest
What She Said: “There’s no place like it. This city feeds my soul and my sound.”
Solange’s artful performances often blend visual storytelling with deep cultural roots, many of which are inspired by her time spent in New Orleans. She’s been known to celebrate the city’s architecture, fashion, and spiritual essence.
6. Drake
Venue: Smoothie King Center
What He Said: “Y’all got a vibe like nowhere else. New Orleans knows how to party.”
Drake’s relationship with New Orleans is deeper than one performance. With Cash Money Records ties and collaborations with Lil Wayne, Drake has long embraced NOLA’s bounce energy and local sound.
7. Lizzo
Venue: Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
What She Said: “I felt free here. Like I could give my whole self.”
Lizzo’s explosive set at Voodoo Fest was all about empowerment, joy, and inclusivity—three values that resonate deeply in the Big Easy. Her set even featured local dancers and nods to New Orleans brass.
8. Anderson .Paak
Venue: Jazz Fest
What He Said: “Playing here is like being baptized in funk.”
With his genre-defying style, Anderson .Paak fit right into the Jazz Fest vibe. His improvisational moments and funk-laden set were pure New Orleans magic.
9. Foo Fighters
Venue: Voodoo Fest
What They Said: “This is a rock and roll city. Period.”
Dave Grohl and company delivered a performance that honored New Orleans’ post-Katrina resilience and long-standing love for live music. Their Voodoo Fest appearance was one for the books.
10. Billie Eilish
Venue: Smoothie King Center
What She Said: “You’re loud, you’re wild, and I love it.”
Billie’s connection with her fans was palpable, especially in a city known for expressing emotion and energy. Her minimalist stage design contrasted beautifully with the city’s over-the-top personality, making for a unique performance experience.
The City That Performs Back
These artists don’t just play New Orleans. They fall in love with it. The stages here breathe with history, and the audiences don’t just listen—they feel. Whether it’s bounce, brass, rock, or soul, the Big Easy has a way of becoming a part of every artist who steps onto its stage.
Looking for more stories like this? Check out our New Orleans music coverage and explore our feature on Top Live Music Venues in New Orleans to catch the next legendary performance yourself.
Big Easy Magazine is your unapologetically progressive and uniquely New Orleans source for stories that matter.
