GloRilla, 2 Chainz, and SWV captured the electric spirit pulsing through New Orleans this past weekend as the city hosted the 51st Annual Bayou Classic.
The legendary matchup between Grambling State University and Southern University once again showcased one of America’s most storied HBCU rivalries, but this year’s celebration packed in even more action and star appeal.
DIAGEO, this year’s sponsor of Bayou Classic Weekend, energized the festivities by spotlighting its Show Your HBCU Spirit initiative and its Learning Skills for Life (LSFL) program, adding purpose-driven momentum to the excitement.
GloRilla and Juvenile lit up the field alongside Grambling State University’s famed marching band, delivering bold performances that had the Superdome roaring.
Earlier, 2 Chainz headlined the Bayou Classic Fan Fest on Saturday, while SWV brought pure R&B excellence to the annual Sneaker Ball, blessing the night with timeless vocals.
The weekend’s slate overflowed with fan favorites—from the events annual Battle of the Bands & Greek Step Show and its vibrant After Party at Treehouse. The last day of the Bayou Classic closed with multiple events, such as a Fan Festival, Pre-Game Sponsor Reception, and the game between Grambling State and Southern, which the latter won 28-27.
Attendees wound down at the Official Bayou Classic After Party at local venue Treehouse, ending the packed, unforgettable celebration of culture, competition, and HBCU pride on a high note.
VIBE gathered snapshots of the best moments from the 51st Annual Bayou Classic that carried on its tradition of merging entertainment, athletics, and purpose.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative GloRilla performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative SWV performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative 2 Chainz performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Fans attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Performers at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative GloRilla performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative GloRilla performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative GloRilla performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative GloRilla performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative GloRilla performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative GloRilla performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative SWV performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative GloRilla performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative GloRilla performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative 2 Chainz performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attent the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative DIAGEO presents the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative DIAGEO presents the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative The 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative The 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guest attends the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guest attends the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative 2 Chainz performs at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative DIAGEO presents the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative DIAGEO presents the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guest attends the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative DIAGEO presents the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative The 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guest attends the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative The 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative DIAGEO presents the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative DIAGEO presents the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative Guests attend the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 51st Annual Bayou Classic
Image Credit: hyyer creative DIAGEO presents the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
