The 2012 Essence Music Festival announced that Gospel artists Fred Hammond and Mary Mary will be honored during the event. The 18th annual Essence Music Festival will take place July 6-8 in New Orleans.

If you want to know what Grammy Award-winning singer D’Angelo has been up to for the past couple of years then you need to get your ticket to the festival. He has been added to the talent roster making his first U.S. appearance at an event in a decade.

R&B heartthrob Trey Songz will return to the main stage joining previously announced performers Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Ledisi and more. The official host each night will be Nephew Tommy, comedian and co-host of the long running Steve Harvey Morning Show. Tank, Mary Mary, Marsha Ambrosious, The Pointer Sisters, Q. Parker & Super Jay, Teedra Moses, Melanie Fiona, Carl Thomas and Rebirth Brass Band are also scheduled to perform.

2012 Essence Music Festival line-up is as follows:

Friday, July 6: Charlie Wilson, D’Angelo, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, The Pointer Sisters, Marsha Ambrosious, Q. Parker & Super Jay, Khris Royal, Kindred The Family Soul, Vivian Green, Stephanie Mills, Gary Clark Jr., Rebirth Brass Band, SWV, Goapele

Saturday, July 7: Mary J. Blige, Kevin Hart, Ledisi, Tank, Eric Roberson, Teedra Moses, The Stylistics, Robert Glasper, Dru Hill, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Stephanie Mills, Big Sam’s Funky Nation

Sunday, July 8: Aretha Franklin, Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Melanie Fiona, Carl Thomas, Alex Boyd, Eve, The Stooges Brass Band, Estelle, Luke James, Raheem DeVaughn, Bridget Kelly

Now in its 18th year, the ultimate destination for entertainment and inspiration hosted over 422,000 attendees last year. The Essence Music Festival is the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture. Throughout its history, the Festival has featured an array of performers including Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Al Green, Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, Destiny's Child, Yolanda Adams, among others.

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the Essence Music Festival, visit www.essencemusicfestival.com