Demi Lovato replacing Selena Gomez as Global Citizen Festival headliner

Demi Lovato is replacing Selena Gomez as one of the headline acts at the annual Global Citizen Festival.

The Confident singer will join the all-star lineup of the upcoming charity concert held in New York's Central Park, after Selena was forced to pull out due to ongoing issues with her health. Last month (Aug16), Kill 'Em With Kindness singer Selena revealed she was taking an indefinite break from her world tour to focus on her battle with lupus, the autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with in 2014.

Speaking about her addition to the concert billing, Demi, 24, says she’s honoured to be included in an event which promotes humanitarian causes.

“The Global Citizen Festival combines music and activism in a way that inspires and affects millions around the world,” she told People.com. “I am proud to support this amazing organisation's ongoing efforts to improve global healthcare and to end extreme poverty.”

This year’s event is scheduled to include performances from Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer and Metallica, as well as guest appearances from Chelsea Handler, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra and Salma Hayek.

“Demi has been an incredible ambassador for global health and gender equality campaigns for many years,” Global Citizen founder and CEO Hugh Evans said in a statement. “We are so thrilled to align her artistry and advocacy and have her join us as a headliner at the 2016 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park!”

The Global Citizen Festival, which was co-founded by Coldplay’s Chris Martin in 2012, takes place in New York City’s Central Park on 24 September (16). Last year, Beyonce and Pearl Jam were among the headline acts.