The lineup for the 2012 Essence Music Festival has been announced and the array of performers are notable for their power-packed vocals. Set to take place during the heart of summer 2012 -- July 6-8 -- this year's event is touted as "The Power of Our Voice" and will be be held at the Louisiana Superdome.

Franklin, who recently announced she was engaged to her longtime friend Willie Wilkerson, will be honored at the 18th annual Essence Music Festival with The Power Award.

Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., released a statement regarding the lauded performance weekend.

"The theme of this year's Essence Music Festival celebrates our most powerful voices. Whether it's Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul commanding respect or Rep. Maxine Waters demanding better conditions for our community, these powerful voices resonate with our audience like no other," she said. "As we all face a new reality in these critical times, we want to inspire our Festival-goers to leave this year's Festival even more resilient and motivated so that they can be empowered to create change in their own communities."

Tickets are currently ranging in price from $120-$750 for the entire weekend while single tickets go for $50-$300.

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