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Though the initial portion of the lineup was announced earlier this year, some artists added to the roster of the 2012 Essence Music Festival has been raising some eyebrows around the music world.

The most notable is the addition of D’Angelo in what will mark the reclusive R&B superstar’s first U.S. concert appearance in ten years. D’Angelo will appear on the first night of the three day festival, which is July 6.

Other new additions that will appear on the main stage include Trey Songz and R&B act Tank. This year’s performance will mark Songz third appearance in three years. These artist join previously announced acts including headliners Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige, along with Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole and many more.

The New Orleans’ festival, which is sponsored by Essence magazine, is billed as one of the largest gatherings of black artists in America. This year’s festival will run from July 6 to July 8 at the city’s convention center.

D’Angelo returned to performing this year when he performed a concert in Stockholm, but his first U.S. appearance is already sparking other comeback rumors. The only official news, however, is that his record label has said that he is working on a new album. No official release date or any other information has yet been released.

The festival began in 1995 when it was planned as a one-time event, but has grown into an annual festival. It has been held in New Orleans every year except 2006, when it had to be moved to Houston because of Hurricane Katrina. An estimated 422,000 people attended last years festival. Previous performers at the event include Prince, Alicia Keys, Al Green, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. In addition to the music, the festival also feature numerous music seminars and panels.