On February 11, 2026, the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, came alive as Cardi B launched her highly anticipated Little Miss Drama Tour. The arena tour, in support of her second studio album Am I the Drama? (released in 2025), marked Cardi’s first major headlining run across North America, promising high-energy performances, multiple outfit changes, and the unfiltered charisma that has defined her career. The sold-out opening night did not disappoint, delivering 37 songs, viral moments, and a powerful display of stage presence. Adding to the excitement was a special guest in the audience: acclaimed actress Taraji P. Henson, who showed up to support her longtime favorite and turned the night into a celebration of women uplifting women.
Henson, known for her powerhouse performances in films like Hidden Figures, The Color Purple, and Empire, has been vocal about her admiration for Cardi B since the rapper’s early days. Back in 2018, Henson penned a heartfelt essay for TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list, praising Cardi’s authenticity and predicting her lasting impact. “She’s unapologetically herself,” Henson wrote then, and that sentiment carried through to the tour kickoff. Henson arrived in style, capturing attention in a sleek, elegant look that complemented the high-fashion energy of the evening. She was spotted in the VIP section, fully immersed in the performance, dancing, cheering, and soaking in the spectacle.
The highlight came backstage after the show. Video footage showed Cardi B pausing amid the post-concert rush to sign a vinyl copy of her album for Henson. The moment was warm and genuine—two women from different worlds of entertainment sharing mutual respect. Cardi, still buzzing from the adrenaline of her debut performance, took time to thank Henson personally, calling her presence “a blessing” and expressing gratitude for the early support. Henson, beaming, hugged Cardi tightly, later sharing her own heartfelt message on social media: “I hope y’all are ready for #LittleMissDrama cause @iamcardib doesn’t know how to do nothing but DELIVER HENNY!!!! YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE!!!!” She added that she had been rocking with Cardi since 2015, even trying to get her on Empire back in the day. “I TOLD Y’ALL SHE WAS GOING TO TAKE THE WORLD BY STORM (Cookie knew),” Henson wrote, referencing her iconic Empire character.
The tour itself lived up to the hype. Cardi delivered a marathon set packed with hits from her catalog, including tracks from Invasion of Privacy, Am I the Drama?, and fan favorites like “Bodak Yellow,” “WAP,” “Up,” and “Bongos.” Multiple costume changes kept the visuals fresh—dramatic gowns, bold streetwear, and glittering ensembles that matched the album’s dramatic theme. A viral moment during the show saw Cardi defending her fans from a disruptive crowd incident, turning the arena into a unified roar of support. The energy was electric, with the sold-out crowd singing along word-for-word and feeding off Cardi’s relentless charisma.
Henson’s attendance carried special significance. As one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses and a vocal advocate for Black women in entertainment, her presence signaled cross-industry solidarity. She has long championed artists who break barriers and stay true to themselves, and Cardi—known for her raw honesty, work ethic, and refusal to conform—fits that mold perfectly. The backstage interaction, captured on video and shared widely, became a feel-good story amid the tour’s launch buzz. Fans flooded comments with praise for the sisterhood on display, noting how powerful it was to see two Black women at the top of their fields showing love and support.
The Little Miss Drama Tour spans 35 dates across North America, kicking off in Palm Desert and running through mid-April 2026, with stops in major arenas including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, Vancouver, and Atlanta. Early reports indicate strong ticket sales, with several dates selling out quickly. VIP packages offer premium seating, meet-and-greets, pre-show parties, and exclusive merchandise, reflecting Cardi’s commitment to giving fans an immersive experience.
For Cardi, the tour represents a triumphant return to the stage after a period focused on motherhood, business ventures, and her second album. Am I the Drama?—a 23-track project featuring collaborations with Janet Jackson, Lizzo, Selena Gomez, Megan Thee Stallion, and others—showcased her evolution as an artist while staying true to her bold, unfiltered style. The tour’s name and theme embrace the drama that often surrounds her public life, turning it into fuel for electrifying performances.
Henson’s support added a layer of star power to the opening night. Her message of pride and long-term belief in Cardi resonated with fans who have followed both women’s careers. “I’ve been a fan since day one,” Henson wrote, underscoring how Cardi’s rise from the Bronx to global superstardom has inspired many. The actress’s attendance also highlighted the growing intersection of hip-hop and Hollywood, where artists and actors increasingly collaborate and champion one another.
As the tour rolls on, the Palm Desert kickoff will be remembered not just for Cardi’s commanding performance but for the genuine moment of connection between two icons. In a world often divided by competition, Henson’s presence and heartfelt words reminded everyone of the power of women lifting each other up. The night was about more than music—it was about legacy, support, and the joy of seeing two trailblazers celebrate each other’s success.
