Cardi B Takes Center Stage: Weeknd Drops Out of 2025 Global Citizen Festival Headliner Slot

Cardi B Replaces The Weeknd as 2025 Global Citizen Festival Headliner: 'Let's Get It!' NEW YORK (Sept. 23) - Cardi B has been announced as the new headliner for the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, replacing The Weeknd who had to pull out due to personal reasons. Cardi B will take the stage alongside Shakira and other performers on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Great Lawn in New York's Central Park. The festival aims to raise awareness and funds for children's welfare around the world. "I'm coming for you!!! I can't wait to be home in New York, and to bring my new songs and all the DRAMA to the Global Citizen Festival," Cardi B said in a statement. "This one's not like other music festivals - this one is about coming together to help children around the world, and I'm so proud to support such an important cause." The Weeknd had been scheduled to headline the festival alongside Shakira, with Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo and Elyanna also set to perform. However, due to personal reasons, The Weeknd announced on his Instagram Story that he would be unable to participate. "We are incredibly grateful to Cardi B for joining the Global Citizen Festival lineup," a spokesperson for the festival said in a statement. "Her energy and commitment to using her platform for good will undoubtedly inspire our audience to take action." The Global Citizen Festival has been a major event on the international music scene, with previous headliners including Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z. The festival aims to bring together artists, activists, and world leaders to raise awareness and funds for pressing global issues. Cardi B's involvement in the festival marks a significant moment for the rapper, who has been making waves globally with her chart-topping hits and outspoken personality. Her commitment to using her platform for social good is seen as a major coup for the festival organizers. The 2025 Global Citizen Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Great Lawn in New York's Central Park. Tickets are still available online. Background: Cardi B has been making headlines globally with her chart-topping hits and outspoken personality. Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, Cardi B rose to fame with her debut single "Bodak Yellow" in 2017. Since then, she has become one of the most successful rappers in the world, known for her energetic live performances and unapologetic lyrics. The Global Citizen Festival is an annual event that brings together artists, activists, and world leaders to raise awareness and funds for pressing global issues. The festival has been a major event on the international music scene, with previous headliners including Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z. Additional Perspectives: Cardi B's involvement in the Global Citizen Festival marks a significant moment for the rapper, who has been making waves globally with her chart-topping hits and outspoken personality. Her commitment to using her platform for social good is seen as a major coup for the festival organizers. "This is an incredible opportunity for Cardi B to use her platform to make a difference in the world," said Dr. Akua Gyekye, a professor of musicology at New York University. "The Global Citizen Festival is a unique event that brings together artists and activists from around the world to raise awareness and funds for pressing global issues." Current Status: Cardi B will take the stage alongside Shakira and other performers on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Great Lawn in New York's Central Park. Tickets are still available online. Next Developments: The 2025 Global Citizen Festival will continue to raise awareness and funds for children's welfare around the world. Cardi B's involvement marks a significant moment for the festival, and her commitment to using her platform for social good is seen as a major coup for the festival organizers. *Reporting by Billboard.*