Cardi B to Replace The Weeknd as 2025 Global Citizen Festival Headliner — “Let’s Get It!”

Cardi B will take over as the headliner for the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, on the Great Lawn in Central Park, New York City.

The Weeknd announced on his Instagram Story on Monday, Sept. 22 that he must step away from the festival for personal reasons and will not be able to perform. He thanked fans for their support and for participating in Global Citizen’s advocacy efforts. View the Instagram Story.

The Weeknd had been set to co-headline the event with Shakira. The festival’s lineup also includes performances by Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo and Elyanna.

Cardi B released a statement saying she’s eager to return to New York and bring her latest music to the Global Citizen stage. She described the festival as more than a concert — a gathering focused on supporting children around the world — and expressed pride in backing that mission.

Hugh Evans, CEO and cofounder of Global Citizen, thanked Cardi B for joining the roster and praised her as a dynamic performer who will energize Central Park. He also conveyed well wishes to The Weeknd and appreciation for the fans who have acted alongside Global Citizen to combat extreme poverty.

The festival will be cohosted by Global Citizen ambassador Hugh Jackman alongside Adam Lambert, Bill Nye, Liza Koshy and Danai Gurira. Cardi’s headline set follows the recent release of her sophomore album, Am I the Drama?, which earned RIAA Platinum certification on its release day. She is expected to support the album on next year’s 30-date Little Miss Drama Tour.

Tickets for the Global Citizen Festival remain available and can be obtained through the Global Citizen app by taking part in actions that support the organization’s anti-poverty work. Attendees seeking refunds should look for instructions sent by Ticketmaster to the email address used for purchase.

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