Cardi B has stepped in to replace The Weeknd at Global Citizen festival, after he was forced to drop out over ‘personal reasons’.
The Blinding Lights singer, real name Abel Tesfaye, was due to headline the annual bash in New York’s Central Park on September 27, alongside Shakira.
However, days before the 35-year-old was due to take the stage, it has now been revealed that the Up rapper – who recently announced her fourth pregnancy – will be taking his place this Saturday.
‘Central Park, I’m coming for you,’ she said in a statement via Variety. ‘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!!!’
The Weeknd thanked his fans for their support in a separate message, but didn’t share the reason behind his cancellation.
‘I regret to share that, due to personal reasons, I am unable to perform at Global Citizen,’ he said, via the outlet.
‘Thank you to my fans for taking action with them, as I believe in their mission deeply. Thank you for your understanding and support.’
Cardi, 32, will be taking his place in the star-studded line-up, joining Shakira, Tyla, Mariah the Scientist, Arya Starr, Elyanna and Camilo.
Hugh Jackman will be serving as host, with many other famous faces set to appear on the stage.
The Grammy-winner has barely had a moment to catch her breath recently, after finally dropping her eagerly-anticipated second album, Am I The Drama? last Friday.
She will also be heading on tour next February, performing in California, New York, DC, Philadelphia, Boston and more across the US and Canada.
Cardi recently sent fans into a spin when she announced that she is expecting her fourth child – her first with boyfriend Stefon Diggs.
The music icon was first linked to the NFL star at the end of last year, following her split from husband Offset.
The pair have been inseparable in recent months, leading to intense speculation that they were set to welcome a child together.
Finally addressing the rumors last week, she told Gayle King in a sit-down interview: ‘I’m having a baby with my boyfriend Stefon Diggs.
‘I’m excited, I’m happy. I feel like I’m in a good space. I feel very strong. I feel very powerful that I’m doing all this work, but I’m doing all this work while I’m creating a baby.
‘Me and my man, we’re very supportive of each other.’
She confirmed that she will be welcoming baby number four before her Little Miss Drama tour kicks off in February.
Discussing why she kept quiet about her upcoming arrival for so long, she added: ‘Can I just say it on my own time? I’m not hiding.
‘On my own terms, let me close some deals first. You don’t really want to say right away that you’re pregnant. Let me see a couple more sonograms. Let my baby be healthy.’
This marks Cardi’s fourth child, as she shares Kulture, Wave and Blossom with her former partner.
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