R&B superstar Usher has joined the high-profile headliners of the 2011 Essence Festival. The singer will perform on the main stage in the Superdome on the festival’s opening day, Friday, July 1, along with Charlie Wilson and Jennifer Hudson. Kanye West headlines Saturday, July 2 along with Jill Scott and Chaka Khan, and Mary J. Blige highlights Sunday, July 3 with New Edition and Trey Songz.

In addition to Usher, Essence also announced that classic funk artists Morris Day & the Time and the Loose Ends, as well as contemporary R&B singers Noel Gourdin and Timothy Bloom, have been added to the Essence Festival lineup as well.

Here’s the full nightly lineup now:

Friday, July 1

Usher
Charlie Wilson
Jennifer Hudson
Fantasia
Boyz II Men
Macy Gray
Dwele
Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle
Mint Condition
Soul Rebels Brass Band
Tank
Miguel
Noel Gourdin
Mavis Staples
Irma Thomas

Saturday, July 2

Kanye West
Jill Scott
Chaka Khan
El Debarge
Eric Benet
Timothy Bloom
Morris Day & the Time
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs
Stephanie Mills
Charmaine Neville Band
Naughty by Nature
To Be Continued Brass Band

Sunday, July 3

Mary J. Blige
New Edition
Trey Songz
Kem
Loose Ends
Hal Linton
Kourtney Heart
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Rebirth Brass Band
Kelly Price
Vanessa Bell Armstrong
Trin-i-Tee 5:7
Brian Courtney Wilson
MC Lyte
Doug E. Fresh
Hot 8 Brass Band