The Weeknd cancels Global Citizen headline set, to be replaced by Cardi B

The Weeknd has bowed out of the lineup for Global Citizen Festival, with Cardi B now taking his place.

• READ MORE: The Weeknd – ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ review: stadium-filling superstar prepares to move on

The Canadian pop and R&B star announced on Instagram that he was dropping out of the New York City event due to unspecified “personal reasons”. Bronx native Cardi will now take his spot on the bill this Saturday (September 27), fresh off the release of her latest album ‘Am I The Drama?’.

“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 B said in a statement (via Rolling Stone).

“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!!!”

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Cardi’s long-awaited sophomore album, ‘Am I The Drama?’ was shared last Friday (September 19), having been previewed by ‘Outside’ and ‘Imaginary Playerz’, with previous hits ‘WAP’ and ‘Up’ also featuring on the album.

The record boastes eight featured artists including Cash Cobain, Janet Jackson, Kehlani, Lizzo, Selena Gomez, Summer Walker, Tyla and Megan Thee Stallion.

As for the latter, Cardi had already confirmed their collab ‘WAP’ would appear on the LP, as would 2021’s ‘Up’. When fans were critical of her including two previous hits, she defended their inclusion, telling listeners, “Go cry about it!”

The album’s promotion has spurned several viral moments, with the ‘Bodak Yellow’ artist taking to the streets and subways of New York to sell the record, posing as a bootleg seller and hosting a pop-up shop at a bodega to promote the LP.

Meanwhile, The Weeknd announced the extension of his record-breaking stadium tour earlier this month, which will now see him play new shows in North America, South America, Europe and the UK between April and August 2026.

These include shows in London, Mexico City, Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, São Paulo, Milan and many more, with Playboi Carti set to join all his UK and European dates, and Anitta for his North and South American shows.

Initially, The Weeknd announced two shows in London at Wembley Stadium, set to take place on August 14 and 15, and later added an additional three dates on August 16, 18 and 19.

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