Doja Cat Drops Out of ACL 2025 to Focus on New Album

Doja Cat is stepping away from her headlining slot at this year’s Austin City Limits Festival.

On Friday, the Grammy-winning rapper took to Instagram Stories to explain her decision, citing the demands of preparing her upcoming album Vie, which arrives September 26.

“When I made the commitment I didn’t know exactly when Vie would be released,” she wrote in her post. “I’ve been working on finalizing the album, making videos, taking the time to put together an album campaign that I am really excited about, and it’s become clear to me that I cannot give you guys the show you deserve within this time frame.”

She added: “Thank you to the ACL team for their support and I hope to see you all again soon when the time is right. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.”

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(Image via Instagram)

Doja had originally been scheduled to close out the festival on back-to-back Sundays, October 5 and October 12. Not long after her announcement, ACL confirmed The Killers would be stepping in to headline both Sundays instead.

“Please welcome @thekillers to the stage,” the festival posted on Instagram, along with a throwback clip from one of the band’s past performances. “Your new headliners will perform both Sundays of ACL Fest!”

While fans will miss out on seeing Doja debut new material live, her fifth studio album is on the horizon. So far, she has teased the project with the lead single “Jealous Type.”

This year’s ACL lineup remains stacked, with Sabrina Carpenter and Hozier also headlining, alongside performances from Luke Combs, The Strokes, Cage the Elephant, Doechii, John Summit, and more.

In an interview with V Magazine, Doja explained that this album will see the singer go back to her pop roots, as well as being influenced by ’70s music.

“I wanted to play with that nostalgia by using these Lo-Fi sounds and samples and things that reminded you of something from your childhood, but it wasn’t on the nose ’80s,” said Doja.