The Global Citizen Festival 2025 transformed Central Park into a powerful celebration of music and activism on September 27, 2025, drawing over 60,000 attendees to the Great Lawn. The star-studded lineup featured international superstars Shakira, Cardi B, Tyla, BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ, Rema, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo, and Elyanna, all performing for causes that generated a record-breaking 4.3 million actions toward ending extreme poverty.
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival achieved unprecedented success, surpassing fundraising goals across three critical campaigns: protecting the Amazon rainforest with $200 million, providing energy access for 1 million people in Africa, and securing quality education for 30,000 children globally. According to Billboard, the festival showcased the collective power of global citizens working toward meaningful change.
Shakira captivated the crowd with an electrifying set that combined chart-topping hits with powerful messages about collective action. The Colombian superstar thanked Global Citizen for their initiatives and expressed gratitude to attendees for caring about critical social issues. Cardi B delivered one of the festival’s most talked-about performances, bringing high-energy bars while visibly pregnant, proving nothing can slow her momentum.
South African sensation Tyla stole hearts with her performance of breakthrough hit “Water,” briefly pausing her set to ensure a festival-goer received medical attention before restarting the song. This compassionate moment exemplified the festival’s spirit of care extending beyond global causes to immediate community welfare.
BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ joined Nigerian stars Rema and Ayra Starr in showcasing global music diversity, while Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna and Colombian singer Camilo represented Latin and Middle Eastern traditions. Mariah the Scientist rounded out the lineup with distinctive R&B style. The diverse roster reflected Global Citizen’s mission to unite people across borders and cultures.
Unlike traditional festivals, Global Citizen Festival 2025 offered free attendance to those who earned tickets by taking actions such as signing petitions or contacting elected officials. This innovative model has mobilized millions since the festival’s inception, generating billions in commitments from governments and corporations.
Global Citizen Festival 2025 proved that music and activism form an unstoppable combination. With world-class performances in Central Park generating 4.3 million actions toward protecting the Amazon, powering African communities, and educating children worldwide, the event demonstrated that when global citizens unite behind great music and greater causes, extraordinary change becomes possible.
