.png)
Chart-topping superstars Nicki Minaj, Aloe Blacc, Jennifer Hudson and Ed Sheeran brung the musical fireworks to the The Roots‘ Philly 4th of July Jam in Philadelphia on Friday (July 4).
Although she wasn’t the headliner, Minaj help celebrate America’s birthday in Philly with her energetic performance.
Despite the unusually cool weather, the Queen Barbz showed plenty of cleavage in a revealing black and gold halter top, black leather jogger pants and matching stilettos.
The Young Money rapstress performed a medley of hits including ‘Super Bass’ and ‘Beez in the Trap.’ Her Barbz sang along to her latest single, ‘Pills N Potions,’ and her sanitized version of ‘Yass Chick.’ Minaj closed out her 20-minute set with ‘Freedom’/'Moment 4 Life.’
“Happy birthday America,” she told the crowd. “Today we’re free from everybody that tried to hold us back last year. ‘Cause if they didn’t succeed last year, they not gonna succeed this year.”
The actual headliner was pop crooner Ed Sheeran. The U.K.-based artist, with his trusty acoustic guitar in tow, performed a selection of noteworthy songs including ‘The A Team’ and his latest tune, ‘Sing.’ He added a little soul to his set with a cover of Anthony Hamilton’s song, ‘Comin From Where I’m From.’
Fellow pop singer Ariana Grande was supposed to performed at the event, but her rep said that she had to cancel due to a family emergency.
Nevertheless, Jennifer Hudson picked up the slack with a great set that included choreography and plenty of crowd participation.
The Grammy Award-winning diva wore a body-hugging light blue leggings with a white tank top and fashionable sneakers. Hudson had the crowd dancing along to ‘Walk it Out’ and even had Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter singing along during her rendition of ‘Spotlight.’
Finally, J.Hud belted her signature high notes on ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,’ which sent the Philly crowd cheering with delight.
In addition to the aforementioned performers, soul man Aloe Blacc also performed as well as the Roots band themselves.
Overall, it was an explosive night of great performances in the City of Brotherly (and Sisterly) Love.
Watch VH1′s ‘Live From 2014 Philly 4th of July Jam’
