Cardi B replaces Daniel Caesar as Johns Hopkins Hoptoberfest headliner
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The gist
Cardi B headlined Johns Hopkins' Hoptoberfest on Nov. 1 after Daniel Caesar dropped out the day before.
Students kept their tickets, and hundreds were left on a waitlist.
Background
Cardi B, the American rapper known for "Bodak Yellow" and "WAP" and the first woman to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album, was booked as a last-minute replacement at Johns Hopkins University's annual fall festival. Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar had been announced as the original headliner, but organizers HOP and the LEED office told ticket holders on Oct. 31 that he could no longer perform, citing "unforeseen circumstances." The switch came after tickets sold out on Oct. 21, with hundreds still on the waitlist.
How it unfolded
- Oct 19, 2026Daniel Caesar was announced as the Hoptoberfest headliner.
- Oct 21, 2026Ticket sales, delayed from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., sold out by day's end, leaving hundreds on the waitlist.
- Oct 31, 2026At 1:30 p.m., organizers emailed ticket holders that Caesar could no longer perform and that Cardi B would headline; the concert moved to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.
- Nov 1, 2026Cardi B performed at the Ralph S. O'Connor Center for Recreation & Well-Being, telling students to pass their semester and not ask ChatGPT for answers.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- HOP and the LEED office said Caesar was out due to "unforeseen circumstances" and announced Cardi B as the new headliner.
- Public
- Johns Hopkins sophomore Bhavya Guru said she thought the switch was fake at first but is "really hyped for Cardi B."
Still unverified
Organizers cited "unforeseen circumstances" for Caesar's absence without a more specific public explanation; a complete verified setlist and final attendance total for the show were not available in reporting.