Fri Sep 26 02:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Cardi B to Replace The Weeknd at Global Citizen Festival in Central Park**

**NEW YORK, NY –** Cardi B has been announced as the replacement for The Weeknd at this Saturday’s Global Citizen Festival in Central Park. The Weeknd has withdrawn from the event due to personal reasons.

“Central Park, I’m coming for you!!!” Cardi B exclaimed in a statement. “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.”

The Global Citizen Festival, a free, ticketed event earned through taking action to end extreme poverty, will take place on the Great Lawn in Central Park this Saturday.

“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,” said Global Citizen co-founder & CEO Hugh Evans.

Cardi B joins a star-studded lineup including Shakira, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo, and Elyanna. Hugh Jackman will return to host the event.

“I regret to share that, due to personal reasons, I am unable to perform at Global Citizen,” Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye said in a statement. “Thank you to my fans for taking action with them, as I believe in their mission deeply. Thank you for your understanding and support.”

The 2025 Global Citizen Festival campaign will focus on providing energy access for 1 million people across Africa, ensuring 30,000 children around the world can access a quality education as well as soccer, in partnership with FIFA. The event aims to mobilize $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and registering 40,000 New Yorkers to volunteer across the City.

The festival will be streamed live globally on multiple platforms, including YouTube, Apple Music, and Twitch.

Cardi B recently released her new album, “Am I the Drama?,” and announced her “Little Miss Drama” tour, beginning in February 2026.

Those who have already earned tickets and wish to seek refunds due to The Weeknd’s cancellation should check their email for instructions from Ticketmaster.

**How to Get Involved:**

Earn free tickets to the 2025 Global Citizen Festival by downloading the Global Citizen app or visiting globalcitizenfestival.com and taking action on the campaigns:

* Provide Energy Access for 1 Million People Across Africa
* Mobilize $200 Million to Protect 30 Million Hectares of the Amazon Rainforest
* Provide Access to Education for 30,000 Children Around the World

Global Citizen partners with various NYC nonprofit organizations to address pressing issues in the five boroughs. The 2025 Global Citizen Festival campaign is also calling on governments, philanthropies, and the private sector to fund essential services of healthcare, nutrition, and safe classrooms that make it possible for children to access educational opportunities.

**About Global Citizen:**

Global Citizen is a movement dedicated to ending extreme poverty. Through festivals, campaigns, and digital content, Global Citizen inspires action and advocates for change.

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