Essence Festival 2026: Tamar Braxton and Kandi Burruss’s Awkward Photo Exchange

During the Black Women in Music ceremony at the Essence Festival 2026, a group photo was taken with Brandy, Monica, Missy Elliott and other icons. Tamar Braxton reached across to greet Kandi Burruss, briefly touching her arm, then moved on. Observers noted that Kandi responded with a forced smile and a side‑eye, while Monica avoided eye contact after Braxton touched her wrist.

The clip quickly went viral, sparking online debate about the long‑standing tension between Braxton and Burruss, which dates back to a 2017 Xscape tour, subsequent appearances on Celebrity Big Brother and public disagreements in recent years. Both singers later posted on Instagram, with Burruss hinting at “giving side‑eye while keeping it classy” and Braxton emphasizing positivity and her upcoming tour.