Anticipation and excitement buzzed outside the M&T Bank Arena Sunday April 27, as students lined up for the Quinnipiac University’s Student Programming Board’s 2025 Wake the Giant concert, eager to see rapper Quavo perform.
On April 11, SPB regrettably informed students via email that the original artist, NLE Choppa, would no longer headline Wake the Giant due to health issues: severe dehydration and exhaustion — giving the organization a little over two weeks to find a new artist.
The process of choosing a headliner typically requires months of preparation and planning, all to ensure Quinnipiac students enjoy this annual tradition.
SPB mainstage chair Emma Dinnan said that when narrowing down potential artists, there are several factors to consider, including budget, availability and past performances.
“We look at what artists are big at the moment or up and coming, we talk with our agent to see who some of the major colleges are booking this year,” Dinnan said. “And we look at student feedback and who we think would be a good fit for the student population.”
SPB hinted at potential artists by gauging student opinion with a bracket-style poll on their Instagram and listening to student feedback to determine who would be the best fit.
The quick turnaround proved SPB’s dedication to the student body, as the group put all its energy into finding a replacement artist, reprinting exclusive merchandise and updating all media to align with the new headliner. For some students, the change to Quavo was an unexpected improvement.
First-year film major Joseph Saunders Jr. said he was more surprised Quavo was not initially considered.
“It is an upgrade, and honestly, for them to do this amazing upgrade in the time that they had is kind of iconic,” Saunders said. “I hope that SPB really puts it all together. I’m excited for everything.”
