The Global Citizen Festival 2025 was stacked with big names like Shakira, BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Cardi B, and many more! This event lit up Central Park with over 60,000 people who gathered to enjoy the power of music and for a good cause. Beyond the stage lights, the night spotlighted urgent global issues, from poverty and education to climate action, with major commitments announced to bring clean energy to millions and protect the Amazon rainforest.
The energy was sky-high as each artist added their unique flair to the festival’s vibe. From Shakira’s wild visuals, Cardi B’s girl boss vibes, and Rosé’s angelic melodies, every moment left the audience feeling like the festival was worth it. Now, here’s a ranking of the five standout performances that made the night unforgettable:
1. Shakira becomes a she-wolf of the night:
Shakira delivers a heartfelt performance of her timeless hit 'Underneath Your Clothes,' showcasing her raw vocals at Global Citizen 2025. pic.twitter.com/uvarUlN6z1
— PopXclusive (@PopXclusive) September 28, 2025
The Colombian queen opened her set with “She Wolf,” complete with jaw-dropping visuals that morphed her between human and wolf. The pop queen delivered her instant classic as well as newer tunes, keeping the crowd howling through the night.
2. Cardi B delivers pregnant girl boss energy:
Cardi B performs ‘Bodak Yellow’ at Global Citizen 2025. pic.twitter.com/xq7ZbxRD8u
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 28, 2025
Cardi stormed the stage with fire! The rapper kicked things off with her recent banger “Outside” from her latest album “Am I the Drama?” She also shook things up with her mega hit “I Like It,” proving that this mommy has everything to drive he crowd insane.
3. Rosé brings angelic vibes with her voice:
rosé performs toxic till the end x wonderwall on 2025 global citizen festival pic.twitter.com/9dp9yZRFK9
— hiro (@rsrosiess) September 28, 2025
The BLACKPINK star delivered an ethereal performance in a flowing dress under glowing lights. Her emotional vocals on “On The Ground” and a touching cover of “Linger” melted hearts. Talk about a festival solo debut like that, Rosé!
4. Tyla makes us wet with her water:
. @Tyllaaaaaaa does her famous “Tyla Dance” at Global Citizen Festival in NYC 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/qKaAxHK98j
— BOUNCE (@bouncenetworks) September 28, 2025
The Amapiano star turned the stage into a massive dance floor, performing her viral hit “Water” twice. With Converse shoes and her classic swagger, Tyla delivered one of the most fun sets of the event.
5. Mariah the Scientist goes military chic
Mariah the Scientist performs “Burning Blue” at Global Citizen Festival. pic.twitter.com/DLtGNajJ9z
— Rap Alert (@rapalert6) September 28, 2025
Mariah arrived with fierce style and a commanding stage presence! Her set channeled powerful vocals and vulnerability, showing the crowd why she’s one of R&B’s artists to watch.
