Dave Chappelle surprised fans at the 2014 Essence Festival. He took to the stage on Sunday night to introduce Erykah Badu. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome was on their feet as they received Dave post is absence from the public.
Fresh off a week of sold-out comeback shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Chappelle came out to raucaus applause from the 45,000-plus audience.
“Like this city, I will rise from the ashes,” joked the comedian, clad in a grey muscle shirt and slacks.
“Last week, I did what they called my big comeback show. Sixty-thousand tickets in New York City. It was a remarkable achievement, but it was achieved with the help of my friends. So tonight I’m here to honor one of my dearest friends in all of show business.”
“I don’t use the word love loosely, but I truly do love this woman. I love her work. I love her spirit, and I’m here tonight just to share that love with you.”
Comedian Dave Chappelle walked away from his wildly successful Chappelle’s Showin 2005, but now that he’s back in the spotlight, after nine sold out Radio City Music Hall performances last month, he says he’s back where he belongs.
“It’s been wonderful,” Chappelle, 40, told PEOPLE exclusively while backstage at the20th Annual Essence Festival in New Orleans on Sunday. “Being back, what I’ve found this year is that everywhere I’ve gone, people have been overwhelmingly supportive.”
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