BOSTON — The Northeastern University class of 2025 received a memorable sendoff at their commencement ceremony Sunday, May 11, featuring appearances by musical stars Cardi B, ROSÉ, and Ed Sheeran.
The event, held at Fenway Park, included a pre-taped video montage from the artists congratulating the graduates. Cardi B, known for her hit “Bodak Yellow,” encouraged students, saying, “I hope whatever you studied for and worked for, it pays off.” She added, smiling, “I hope you guys now enjoy the real world, because college and the real world is very different.”
BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ wished the graduates well as they embarked on their next chapter, while Ed Sheeran said, “Congratulations, I hope everyone’s having a good time there.”
All three artists are signed with Atlantic Records. The label’s CEO, Elliot Grainge, a Northeastern alumnus, delivered the commencement address. He told the graduates they represent “a future we haven’t seen, a future we can’t fully imagine, and won’t truly understand, until you build it,” as reported by Northeastern Global News.
Grainge emphasized the unique qualities of the class, saying, “Each and every one of you were raised on speed, technology and constant evolution. You’ll shape culture, technology, business and politics in ways we can’t yet fathom.”
This year, several prominent figures from the music industry are speaking at graduation ceremonies. Usher will address Emory University’s graduates on Monday, May 12, and Snoop Dogg is scheduled to speak at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business on May 17.
Additionally, Maggie Rogers is set to speak at New York University Tisch School of the Arts’ commencement on May 16.
ROSÉ and Sheeran’s appearance at Northeastern’s ceremony coincides with their involvement in the upcoming Atlantic Records F1 film soundtrack, featuring artists like Tate McRae, RAYE, Burna Boy, and more. ROSÉ’s single for the project, “Messy,” was released Friday, May 8.
Meanwhile, Cardi B is working on her much-anticipated sophomore album. She recently informed fans that the project has been delayed due to featured artists taking longer than expected to contribute, stating on X Spaces, “I need y’all to hurry up.”
