Marsha Ambrosius Honors Patti LaBelle With ‘If Only You Knew’ Performance

At Essence Fest 2026 Marsha Ambrosius paid tribute to Patti LaBelle with a soaring rendition of one of the icon's signature songs, "If Only You Knew." The performance took place during Trell Thomas' Black Excellence Brunch, where LaBelle was honored in front of fellow artists, industry figures, and festival attendees. As Ambrosius delivered the 1983 classic, LaBelle looked on before praising the performance, even joking with the crowd about nursing a sore foot while enjoying the celebration. For longtime R&B fans, the moment carried extra significance. Ambrosius has long been associated with "If Only You Knew," first drawing widespread acclaim for her performance of the song during LaBelle's BET Lifetime Achievement Award tribute in 2011.

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