The Weeknd has officially stepped down as a headliner for the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, with Cardi B now set to take his place.
The Weeknd announces exit
In a statement shared via Instagram Stories on Monday (Sept. 22), the singer wrote, “I regret to share that, due to personal reasons, I am unable to perform at Global Citizen. Thank you to my fans for taking action with them, as I believe in their mission deeply. Thank you for understanding and support.”
The Weeknd was originally scheduled to co-headline the festival alongside Shakira. The rest of the lineup includes Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo, and Elyanna.
Cardi B steps in
Following the announcement, Cardi B confirmed her participation with an enthusiastic message to fans, "Central Park, 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. 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. New York City — see you Saturday. Let’s get it!!!”
Festival organizers react
Global Citizen addressed the lineup change in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), “Lineup update We’re thrilled to welcome New York City’s own Cardi B to the 2025 Global Citizen Festival stage in Central Park! Due to personal reasons, The Weeknd will no longer be performing. We’re grateful for his support and for every fan who’s taken action with us to help end extreme poverty.”
{{/usCountry}}Global Citizen addressed the lineup change in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), “Lineup update We’re thrilled to welcome New York City’s own Cardi B to the 2025 Global Citizen Festival stage in Central Park! Due to personal reasons, The Weeknd will no longer be performing. We’re grateful for his support and for every fan who’s taken action with us to help end extreme poverty.”
{{/usCountry}}Hugh Evans, CEO and co-founder of Global Citizen, also expressed gratitude, “We are incredibly grateful to Cardi B, who has joined the Global Citizen Festival lineup. She’s an outstanding performer who will light up Central Park in spectacular fashion. We wish The Weeknd support and want to thank him and his fans for all taking action with us to help end extreme poverty.”
The Global Citizen Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, on the Great Lawn in New York City’s Central Park.