Jenni will never forget the swoon-worthy moment she ran into Idris Elba. “I was running to the ladies room, and he was coming out of the men’s room. I stopped and smiled, and he asked my name,” she writes.
Kelley describes meeting Vanessa Williams as one of the “highlights” of her life. “After I asked her for a picture, I said: “I’m a Williams, too! We could be related!” she writes.
Cherise loved meeting Brandy at a performance in Washington D.C. “My long lost sister,” she writes.
Rasheda (left) and her BFF Cacia got in backstage at a Trey Songz concert. “Trey was really nice, and very flirtatious,” she writes. Everyone who knows me knows that I love Trey Songz and Usher Raymond. I am so blessed to have met both of them.”
“My idol and I at her first fragrance launch,” writes Lisa-Marie B. after meeting Beyonce in New York City.
“We met Usher four years ago at the Warner Theater in Washington D.C.,” writes LaKaiya (right). “As you can tell this was the most exciting day in our lives.”
“I’ve been a fan for 30 years so to actually get a photo with [Bobby Brown] was beyond measure,” writes LTanya, who met the singer at a recent New Edition concert.
“We are just ordinary people…except he’s so not ordinary,” writes Yinette about her encounter with John Legend.
“Michael was a total sweetheart,” writes Mona. “I met him at Kevin Hart’s birthday party, and even though it was extremely crowded, he took the time to take a picture with me.”
“El held his heart and said: ‘All this love is waiting for you,'” writes Richelle L.
“I went to an event at Natural Resources Salon, in Houston, and Kim Coles was the host,” writes Roquelle P. “She was so sweet; we even chatted about fashion, style, and individuality for a bit!”
Air Force Officer Latrice T. was elated to meet ESSENCE editor-at-large Mikki Taylor at the Essence Music Festival. She writes:
“I pull up in front of my annual Essence Fest stay with my girlfriends, and the beautiful, humble, talented Mrs. Mikki Taylor is entering the antique shop next door…I jump out. I scream. I’m in groupie mode and shock at same time. It was an honor and privilege to meet his style maven.”
“I was in a senior in high school at Florida School for the Deaf and Blind when I met Queen Latifah at the Superbowl in 2010,” writes Kinesha B. “It was one of the greatest moments of my life.”
“I met J. Cole after his concert in Columbus, Ohio. He’s an amazing artist — best concert I’ve ever been to.”
“Ledisi is sweet, and very beautiful,” writes Amma M. “She complimented my bag and bracelets, and then she signed my book. It was a quick meeting but very memorable.”
“She was so sweet and humble,” writes Jacque. “She actually wanted the clutch that she’s holding, which I made. She named it: ‘No Weapon Formed Against Me.’ It was a fun moment! I love her!”
“I had an opportunity to meet the beautiful CeCe Winans at a women’s conference in Houston, Texas,” writes Sumetra R.
“I met Biz Markie at the 2012 Essence Festival,” writes Stephanie M. “He was very nice.”
Ziara S. met Usher at the National Civil Rights Museum! “He’s one of the most humble and down to earth people I’ve ever met!” she writes.
“The bridge is over! The bridge is over!” writes Valencia, quoting one of the legendary rapper’s famous hits.
“I met LL Cool J in 2008 at the ESSENCE Music Festival,” writes Nika. “I will never forget that moment.”
Youth advisor Janielle (left) and her mentee were thrilled to meet Elle Varner at a youth awards dinner in Houston, Texas.
“I met Meagan Good on the red carpet at Black Girls Rock! We briefly chatted about the importance of preserving your body and seeking God’s voice!” shares Essence G.
“I was visiting Las Vegas for my 40th birthday,” writes Monica. “I was having breakfast at the Mirage and the waiter sits Sugar Ray Leonard at the table in front of me! OMG!”
Danielle and her adorable daughter were thrilled to meet former ESSENCE editor-in-chief Susan L. Taylor in Lebanon, Illinois.
Teresa was elated to meet comedian Bill Bellamy at President Obama’s inauguration in 2009.
“I met Denise Vasi walking along Bourbon Street during the 2012 Essence Music Fest,” writes Melanie. “Funny thing is she didn’t think anyone was going to recognize her.”
Leshan met the gorgeous Garcelle Beauvais at a charity event in Miami.
“I met Lance Gross at a charity event focused on empowering young Black girls to make a difference in the world,” writes Tania. “That made him even more delicious!”
Angie met the singer while out celebrating her 30th birthday. “He was awesome and gracious!” she writes.
“I met Mary Mary at the ESSENCE Music Festival and it was a dream come true! I’ve been in love with them since ‘Shackles’ came out over a decade ago and I know every one of their songs by heart. They were so warm and friendly. I felt like the third ‘Mary!'”
Theresa (right) and her co-worker Helen are all smiles during a red carpet moment with Jill Scott.
Mercedes couldn’t help but get up close to all that chocolate, otherwise known as Tyrese.
“Hanging out Tank in Atlanta, GA,” writes Pam M.
Talitha showed off her best “Kool-Aid smile” when she met Keyshia Cole.
Myeisha couldn’t believe her luck when she got to meet legendary singer Stevie Wonder.
Lashon D. is all smiles after meeting NBA superstar Dwyane Wade at one of his Wade’s World charity weekend.
Jalinda was one happy camper after her encounter with Faith Evans.
Donte B. was thrilled to run into Angela Simmons in NYC.
“It was very exciting to meet and work with one of the greatest, most humble hip hop artist of our time!” writes Stephanie P., who worked on a commercial with the hip hop icon.
“I met the beautiful Marsha Ambrosius at the airport in Philly…in all her natural glory,” writes Corey B.
Ari C. ran into former Law and Order star Jesse Williams while celebrating her birthday in Jamaica.
“Rasheeda was so nice and humble!” writes Rasheda S about meeting Love and Hip Hop Atlanta star Rasheeda.
“Anthony and his wife (left) were extremely pleasant. Such an inspiring couple,” writes Marsha B,” after meeting the singer in North Carolina.
“Our meeting was truly God-incidence,” writes Carolyn after meeting Al B. Sure in his hometown of Mt. Vernon, NY.
“I felt like I was talking to a friend that I have known for years,” writes Natasha.
Pam never forgets meeting Miguel at the airport during her first solo trip to Miami.
“I boarded a plane and that’s when I saw [Mike] sitting at a window seat,” writes Rhonda. “He is a really sweet and down-to-earth person.”
“[Terry] was joking while my friend was taking this picture because she was taking so long,” writes Joyce B. “Even in the picture she’s saying, “Come on now, take the picture…I gotta get me something to eat!”
“What a night,” writes Sallie M. after meeting Eric Benet in St. Louis. “I got to meet one of my music icons.”
“[Terrell] is one of the friendliest celebrities I’ve met,” writes Nicole.
Rachelle strikes a pose during an encounter with Basketball Wives star Jennifer Williams in NYC.
“[RL] was very nice,” writes Dana. “He bought our team a pizza and bowled a great game to help our team to be in the top three.”
Essence reader Tiaa B. met the sexy rapper in Columbia, South Carolina.
“I passed Mr. Blakemore and his wife at the ESSENCE Music Festival and yelled: ‘Hey, that’s Shawn from General Hospital,” writes Tequila. “He smiled and gave me a friendly wave.”
Sametta T. met gospel singer/songwriter Issac Carree after a Mary Mary concert in Charleston, SC.
