Kehlani to headline Slope Day 2025, first female headliner in 16 Years
The students of the Slope Day Planning Board (SDPB) have a big job: plan an event that marks the end of the school year, satisfies more than 16,000 students, and adheres to university health and safety guidelines. Among thousands of decisions, the headliner choice weighs the heaviest.
Kehlani, a multi-Grammy Award-nominated R&B artist, will headline Slope Day on May 7. She is the first female headliner since 2009, aside from Ari Lennox, who performed during the 2021 virtual Slope Day.
“Kehlani is known to be an amazing performer and brings theatrics to the stage, along with a voice, presence, and lyrics that have an attitude of empowerment to them,” said Adelaida Dominguez ’25, executive director of the student-run board. “The last time that we had a female headliner was 16 years ago, so we are very proud to bring in a powerful woman this year.”
The artist selection process begins in the fall semester, guided by student input. Two surveys are sent to students to gauge interest in genres and specific performers. From there, this year’s selection was influenced by timing and budget constraints.
“Music is such a volatile industry, and this is such a big event,” Dominguez said. “You have to be quick to make decisions and to react, and to see how you can make the best of different situations that arise. I’ve learned a lot of skills like delegation, resourcefulness, creativity, and also being flexible.”
The support artist will be Louis the Child, a DJ duo known for their dance-pop hits.
“Their music is what I imagine summer would sound like - light, energetic, and fun,” said Nael Karpinski ’27, vice president of SDPB. “The duo has an infectious energy to kickstart the summer on Slope Day.”
The artist lineup was announced April 10 at the conclusion of the live student DJ competition. Two (Asian) Friends took home top honors, with FREQ finishing as the runner-up. Both groups will perform on Slope Day along with Lucky Strike, the student band that won the Big Red Battle of the Bands competition on March 22. The 5-person band blends classical, rock, and jazz influences into a sound all their own.
The annual celebration now known as Slope Day has evolved since its origins in 1901 as "Spring Day." Since 2003, it has focused on live music, food and fun, with past headliners including Kanye West, The Pussycat Dolls and Kendrick Lamar.
Today, Slope Day includes additional components such as Slope Fest a carnival-themed party on Ho Plaza, Alternative Slope Day, an outdoor experience at Cornell Outdoor Education’s Hoffman Challenge Course, and Slope Day BreakFEST, where students can grab a free breakfast sandwich in Collegetown. There is also a Sensory Supportive Space designed to provide a calming space for those who can benefit from a break during the day’s activities.
Karpinski said that being part of such a longstanding tradition has made her feel connected to the Cornell community since early in her freshman year.
“You’re putting all the pieces together to make an epic event for everyone,” Karpinski said. “And you’re encouraging and giving a platform for people to make memories and make the most out of their college experience.”
As the event evolves, SDPB is working to expand its legacy. This year, the board is introducing several new initiatives, including the revamped student DJ competition – which allowed students to vote for their favorite set for the first time.
“We are taking a lot of initiatives to change the way things have been done,” Karpinski said. “We've been breaking a lot of tradition and questioning the old systems in place. We’re also trying to get more involvement from students and incorporating new ideas.”
This year, students will be able to use their Big Red Bucks to pre-purchase food tickets, making food more accessible than in previous years when only cash or credit cards were accepted.
For the first time, new branded merchandise will also be available for purchase at the Cornell Store in the days leading up to the event. Unlike previous years, when SDPB held a t-shirt design contest, students submitted designs for a fabric poster to be sold at the store this year. The winning design, created by Reagan Allvin ’25, will be featured alongside a t-shirt designed by the board, aiming to establish a tradition that evolves each year.
The planning process is extensive and goes beyond just SDPB. Planning takes more than eight months in coordination with more than 60 staff members across 40 campus units working together to tackle challenges surrounding safety, health, food, hydration, internet, electricity and more. On the day of the event, a team of 400+ volunteers – including staff, faculty, and graduate and undergraduate students – ensures everything runs smoothly.
“It's almost as if you had a six-credit class in addition to your class schedule because there are so many different moving parts,” Dominguez said.
And each year after all the planning is done, as the crowd gathers in front of the stage at the bottom of Slope, the students who have spent the year organizing Slope Day get to enjoy the best seats in the house.
“I truly think the experience that you have backstage – I’m not even talking about meeting the artists – is surreal,” said Dominguez. “Being on the other side and seeing the mass of people on the slope really gives you an appreciation for, not only the role that you played, but also the Cornell community.”
As a senior, Dominguez said her three years with SDPB have had a profound impact on her Cornell experience.
“I think Slope Day has, in many ways, given me a sense of purpose on this campus,” she said. “I think there are very few other opportunities in my life when I truly felt grounded by being involved in something so much greater than myself that extended to so many other people.”
With new additions, a powerful lineup, and a tight-knit planning and volunteer team, Slope Day 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration for the entire Cornell community and a fitting conclusion to another great year.
“Slope Day has always been an anchor,” Dominguez said. “It really is a community day, something that brings the Cornell community together. It’s one of those traditions that I think holds the Big Red community together.”
Wristbands are now available to reserve, learn more on the Slope Day website. Slope Day is open only to current students, staff, and faculty of the Cornell community, and alumni. No guests are permitted.
Laura Gallup is a Communications Lead for Student and Campus Life.