Janet Jackson will join Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys as a headliner at the 2010 Essence Music Festival the July 4 weekend. Essence was the first magazine to feature Jackson on its cover, and her appearance at its festival will be her only North American concert appearance in 2010.

Jackson joins a lineup that also includes Earth, Wind & Fire, Keri Hilson, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Monica, Raphael Saadiq, Jill Scott, Trey Songz, Charlie Wilson and DJ Soul Sister on the main stage. Superlounge artists this year include Arrested Development, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Chrisette Michele, Estelle, De La Soul, Hot 8 Brass Band, Irma Thomas, Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Joe, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, Lalah Hathaway, Laura Izibor, Leo Jackson and the Melody Clouds, Little Freddie King, Mary Mary, Melanie Fiona, Mint Condition, Rebirth Brass Band, Sam and Ruby, Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, the Soul Rebels, War and more.

Tickets are on sale now.