A day of music, activism, and hope: our perfect combination.

A Global Citizen event is always something special.

It's not just about the phenomenal performances by world-class artists. It's about uniting activists, world leaders, and advocates in their vision for a brighter future. Where else would you see climate activists, political figures, and musical superstars sharing the same stage, all calling on world leaders to take urgent action to Defeat Poverty, Defend the Planet, and Demand Equity.

The festival brought together a star-studded lineup of artists, politicians, activists, and organizations, all united in their commitment to drive urgent action on these critical issues. The best part? The whole movement is powered by people like you; Global Citizens around the world taking action and raising our voices together to enact change.

Here are some of the most electrifying musical moments from Global Citizen Festival 2024.

1. Benson Boone's Breakout Moment Up-and-coming artist Benson Boone made a strong impression with his emotive performances of "Beautiful Things" and "Slow It Down." He took a moment to speak about how our collective small actions can make a big difference, thanking everyone for supporting those in poverty through their attendance and efforts.

Image: Kris Lori for Global Citizen

2. LISA's Solo Festival Debut K-pop sensation LISA, known for her work with BLACKPINK, made history with her first-ever solo performance at a music festival. The crowd went wild as she kicked off her set with the high-energy "LALISA," and performed her new single "Rockstar." LISA didn't just bring the beats; she also had a powerful message thanking the audience for taking action, telling the crowds, “Let’s keep working together to help end poverty. And remember: you have a power to make a difference.”

Image: Getty

3. Surprise! It’s Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin In one of the night's most memorable moments, Ed Sheeran was joined on stage by Coldplay's Chris Martin, the Global Citizen Festival Curator.  The duo treated the audience to acoustic renditions of "Yellow" and "Viva la Vida," as well as Sheeran's own hits "Shape of You" and "Thinking Out Loud." It was a powerful reminder of the power of music to bring people together for a common cause.

4. Pacific Artists for Climate Justice In a stunning display of cultural pride and environmental advocacy, Pacific Islander artists blended traditional music, dance, and storytelling in their performance of "This is Our Home". This powerful moment highlighted the pressing climate change issues affecting their islands, embodying the festival's mission of entertainment with a purpose.

Image: Mary Kang for Global Citizen

5. Doja Cat's Electrifying Set Grammy-winning star Doja Cat lit up the stage with her energetic performance. Opening with "WYM Freestyle" from her latest album "Scarlet," she had the crowd dancing to hits like "Say So" and "Paint the Town Red." Doja Cat didn't just bring the party; she also used her platform to advocate for those living in crisis, particularly children.

6. Alok & The Future Is Ancestral's Cultural Fusion Brazilian DJ Alok teamed up with Indigenous musicians for a unique performance that was both a musical treat and a powerful statement. Their set, which included "Yube Mana Ibubu" and "Rap Nativo," emphasized the importance of Indigenous communities in preserving our natural resources.

7. Rauw Alejandro's Latin Pop Explosion Puerto Rican superstar Rauw Alejandro brought Latin flavors to Central Park. His energetic set included his signature mix of reggaeton and pop in “Pasaporte” and a cover of Frankie Ruiz's "Tu Con El." Alejandro closed his performance with the crowd-pleasing "Todo de Ti," leaving Global Citizens moving to his crowd-pleasing rhythms.

Image: Kris Lori for Global Citizen

8. Jelly Roll's Inspiring Set Country music star Jelly Roll brought his therapeutic music — “real music for real people who’ve had real problems in life” — to the Global Citizen stage for the first time. His performance of "Son of a Sinner" was a highlight, but it was his call to action that truly resonated, urging fans to keep fighting to end poverty and make the world a better place for all.

Image: Kris Lori for Global Citizen

9. RAYE's Soulful Performance British singer-songwriter RAYE delivered a powerful set that resonated deeply with the festival's themes of gender equity. Her performance of "Escapism" and a stirring cover of "It's A Man's Man's World" showcased her incredible vocals and her commitment to using her platform for positive change.

Image: Pip Cowley for Global Citizen

10. Post Malone’s Heartfelt Headlining Performance Post Malone brought his unique blend of country, rap and rock to the Global Citizen stage. From newer hits like "Wrong Ones" to classics like "White Iverson," Post Malone took Global Citizens on a journey through his impressive discography. Posty emphasized the importance of mental health, urging fans to be themselves and keep spreading love. He closed the festival with the uplifting hit "Sunflower," leaving the crowd on a high note.

As the echoes of these incredible performances fade, the real work continues. The Global Citizen Festival 2024 not only entertained but once again proved the power of music to unite people in the fight against extreme poverty. The artists reminded us all that change is possible when we raise our voices together. As Global Citizens around the world continue to take action, the impact of this unforgettable night in Central Park will resonate far beyond the music, driving real change in the ongoing battle to Defeat Poverty, Defend the Planet, and Demand Equity.