Inside Adam Blackstone’s ‘Waiting To Exhale’ Tribute And What He Plans To Do Next With It
As a late addition to the ESSENCE Fest 2025 lineup, it was announced on Tuesday (July 1) that Adam Blackstone was curating a special tribute for the 30th anniversary of Waiting To Exhale.
“It came last minute, but it came together,” Blackstone told VIBE exclusively on how it all happened. “I called a bunch of my famous, female powerhouse singing friends and they all came together. I’ve been studying that soundtrack for so long. Babyface has been such an inspiration to me.”
When detailing the selection process, he explained how he went through each song and handpicked who would sing what. He later noted, “It’s the emotion that certain artists bring— whether it’s their voice, in their appearance, their character.” Deborah Cox was given Whitney Houston’s “Why Does It Hurt So Bad?.” Yolanda Adams and Cox joined forces for “Count On Me.” Andra Day conquered “Exhale (Shoop Shoop).” Keke Palmer brought her charisma and wit to breathe new life into “Sittin’ Up In My Room.” India Shawn bodied “Kissing You.” Tamar Braxton channeled Mary J. Blige in every way for “Not Gon’ Cry” while Brittney Spencer brought her own twang to “Let It Flow” and Chanté Moore sang her own “Wey U,” which kicked off the 1995 film and tribute performance on Sunday (July 6).
Palmer described the Babyface production as a “no-skip soundtrack.” Following the tribute, Blackstone praised Babyface for “supplying the soundtrack, the lyrics, the music” and thanked him for giving him his blessing to go forth with the tribute. “It’s a genius thing that I still feel is unprecedented […] Sometimes, you’re in a place in 1995 and not really know the impact of that moment in that moment,” said Blackstone.
Moore, who was the only artist featured on the original soundtrack, expressed, “It’s a beautiful thing to be surrounded by Black women, surrounded by powerful voices.” She also quipped that her claim to fame is Waiting To Exhale.
Blackstone later revealed that the ESSENCE Fest moment was a “precursor” to what he and Disney are trying to do this Fall. Similar to what was done with Black Panther Live In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021, that same experience will take place with Waiting To Exhale.
Exact dates have not yet been announced. Check out the announcement teaser below.
