The 2024 Global Citizen Festival took place at New York City’s Central Park on September 28, 2024, drawing thousands of attendees despite challenging weather conditions. Hosted by Hugh Jackman, the event brought together major stars, including Doja Cat, Chris Martin, and Ed Sheeran, to raise awareness about global issues such as poverty, climate change, and access to food. This year marked the festival’s 12th edition, continuing its mission to drive positive change worldwide.
Hugh Jackman Leads the Event Amid Torrential Rain
Hugh Jackman, known for his portrayal of Wolverine, took center stage as the host for the event. He praised the crowd for their resilience, referring to the atmosphere as “electric.” He encouraged the audience, stating that “change can happen one action at a time.” Even though the weather was far from ideal, with heavy rain throughout the day, both attendees and performers stayed dedicated to the cause, refusing to let the rain dampen their spirits.
Stellar Performances from Leading Artists
Doja Cat Lights Up the Stage
Doja Cat, known for her bold fashion and electrifying performances, took the stage and captivated the audience with her hit songs, including Say So, Need to Know, and Agora Hills. Her vibrant energy and dynamic set helped keep the crowd engaged, even as the rain poured down on the festival.
Chris Martin and Ed Sheeran Join Forces
In a memorable collaboration, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Ed Sheeran performed together, giving the crowd renditions of popular songs like Yellow, Viva La Vida, Shape of You, and Thinking Out Loud. Chris Martin commended the crowd for their enthusiasm despite the difficult conditions, saying, “I’ve been incredibly impressed watching you all day.” The two artists, both known for their contributions to music and activism, underscored the festival’s commitment to global issues.
Post Malone and Jelly Roll Entertain the Audience
Post Malone delivered a standout performance, featuring hits like Circles, Rockstar, and Sunflower. The singer, who has recently ventured into country music, also included tracks from his latest album F-1 Trillion, showing his versatility as a performer.
Adding to the country vibes, Jelly Roll performed songs like Highway to Hell and Son of a Sinner, with a special appearance by Jessie Murph for their duet Wild Ones. Jelly Roll, who has garnered widespread popularity, stepped into the rain to greet his fans, saying, “I will not let y’all stand in the rain without me.”
Benson Boone’s Emotional Set
Benson Boone, a rising star known for his hit Beautiful Things, opened the festival with a powerful set, including songs like Slow It Down and the aforementioned viral track. Despite the rain, Boone delivered a heartfelt performance, though he skipped his signature flips due to the wet stage.
Additional Highlights and Contributions
Other notable performers included Raye, DJ Khaled, and Lisa from Blackpink, all of whom played a part in the festival’s success. The event concluded with an impressive $1 billion raised in commitments toward ending extreme poverty and addressing environmental issues.
RELATED: BLACKPINK’s Lisa Shines at Global Citizen Festival with Iconic Hits and New Track Release
The Global Citizen Festival, as always, served not just as an entertainment platform but also as a rallying cry for action on some of the world’s most pressing problems. With a star-studded lineup and a passionate crowd, the 2024 edition demonstrated that even in the face of adversity, people can come together for a greater cause.
For more updates on Global Citizen Festival 2024, tune in to Vviptimes.