By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

R&B hottie Chris Brown has been confirmed as a performer for the 2007 Essence Music Festival.

Joining already announced headliners Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Lionel Richie, the two-time Grammy nominated newcomer is expected to take center stage at the New Orleans Superdome on July 6.

Armed with his breakout acting debut in the box-office hit 'Stomp The Yard,' the 17-year-old Tappahannock, Virginia native is steadily building an impressive portfolio which already includes three Billboard Awards and a starring role in the Fox series 'The O.C.'

Brown's multi-platinum selling self-titled debut album has spurred hits such as 'Run It,' 'Yo' and 'Gimme That.'

"I am definitely looking forward to performing again this year at the Essence Music Festival, especially as it returns to New Orleans," said the 'Run It' singer in a statement released to The BV Newswire today. "I feel blessed to have the opportunity to show my love to the people of New Orleans and I want all the fans to come out strong in support of Essence 'Coming Home.'"

Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks said: 'We are ecstatic to announce that Chris Brown will join Beyoncé on the second night of the Essence Music Festival to play a part in the 'Coming Home' extravaganza, [His] remarkable talent bridges the gap between old and new, and he's sure to thrill the crowd-giving Festivalgoers an experience they will never forget!"

Chris Brown fans can catch him performing on 'The 49th Annual Grammy Awards' live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, airing live Feb. 11 on CBS, starting at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) He's nominated in the categories of "Best New Artist" and "Best Contemporary R&B Album."

BV Extras:

-- Get to Stomping: All About 'Stomp The Yard'