The Essence Festival kicked off Thursday with panelists, including Kerry Washington and Taraji P. Henson, and performances by Bruno Mars, Bell Biv DeVoe, Common, John Legend, Patti LaBelle and many more.

The fest that usually draws over 500,000 to New Orleans will stream free at EssenceStudios.com.

Celebs pre-recorded in empty venues rather than their living rooms, talent producer Yvonne McNair said.