The Weeknd is out of the 2025 Global Citizen Festival with Cardi B joining this year’s lineup, it was announced Monday.
The Weeknd, who was initially announced as part of this year’s star-studded participants, posted to his Instagram stories on Monday that he wouldn’t be able to take the stage at Saturday’s event at New York’s Central Park for “personal reasons.”
“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,” he wrote. “Thank you for your understanding and support.”
It was later revealed that Cardi B, who’s set to release her long-awaited second album Am I The Drama? on Friday, would be joining this year’s lineup.
“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,” Cardi said. “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!!!”
Global Citizen CEO and co-founder Hugh Evans added, “We are incredibly grateful to Cardi B, who has joined the Global Citizen Festival line-up. 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.”
Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty, with everyday advocates and leaders in entertainment, public policy, philanthropy and the corporate sector raising awareness and taking action.
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival will be hosted by Hugh Jackman with Shakira headlining the event and Tyla, Ayra Starr and Mariah the Scientist also set to perform. Co-hosts of the festival include Bill Nye, Adam Lambert, Danai Gurira and Liza Koshy. Additionally, Kristen Bell, Tony Goldwyn, Laurie Hernandez, Nate Burleson and Vladimir Duthiers will also take part as speakers.
