Talk about a plot twist! 😲 Doja Cat is stepping down from her Austin City Limits headlining slot, all to give her new album ‘Vie’ the launch it deserves. But don’t fret, rock legends The Killers are swooping in to save the day as the new Sunday headliners! What do you think about this major festival shake-up?
In a significant shift for the upcoming Austin City Limits Music Festival, acclaimed artist Doja Cat has officially withdrawn from her highly anticipated headlining performances, paving the way for rock stalwarts The Killers to step into the coveted Sunday night slots. This unexpected change, announced just weeks before the festival kicks off, has sent ripples through the music community, sparking both disappointment and excitement among festival-goers.
Doja Cat, known for her electrifying stage presence and innovative artistry, made the announcement via a heartfelt message on her Instagram. She candidly explained that her decision stemmed from an imperative need to dedicate her full attention to the intricate rollout of her forthcoming album, “Vie.” The rapper emphasized the demanding nature of launching a new musical project, especially one as ambitious as “Vie.”
Her statement elaborated on the extensive work involved in finalizing the album, producing accompanying music videos, and meticulously crafting a comprehensive album campaign. Doja Cat expressed that given these ongoing commitments, it became clear she would be unable to deliver the exceptional live performances her fans truly deserve within the existing time constraints. This focus underscores her dedication to artistic integrity and ensuring a high-quality product for her audience.
The artist extended her gratitude to the Austin City Limits team for their understanding and unwavering support during this challenging period. While expressing regret for missing the opportunity to perform, Doja Cat conveyed her hope to return to the festival in the future when circumstances align more favorably, reiterating her appreciation for the initial invitation and the platform it offered.
Swiftly responding to the void left by Doja Cat’s departure, the organizers of Austin City Limits confirmed that The Killers would be stepping up as the new headliners. The iconic rock band is now set to grace the main stage on both Sundays of the festival, October 5th and 12th, promising to bring their legendary energy and extensive catalog of hits to the fervent crowds at Zilker Park.
This development comes as “Vie” is poised for its highly anticipated release on September 26th, signaling a pivotal moment in Doja Cat’s career. Fans have already had a taste of the new material with the release of the single “Jealous Type,” offering a glimpse into the artistic direction of her upcoming work and building anticipation for the full album experience.
Despite the change in headliners, the Austin City Limits lineup remains incredibly robust and diverse, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees. The festival still boasts a formidable roster of artists, with Sabrina Carpenter and Hozier headlining other dates, alongside compelling sets from Luke Combs, Cage the Elephant, Doechii, The Strokes, John Summit, and many more across various genres.