Charli XCX ignited both excitement and debate during her headline set on the Other Stage at Glastonbury this past Saturday night. While iconic artist Neil Young entertained audiences at the Pyramid Stage, Charli brought an electric, party-focused vibe to a massive crowd, showcasing a strikingly different energy.
The 32-year-old Grammy and Brit Award-winning pop star last performed at Glastonbury three years ago on the John Peel Stage in 2022. This year, she stepped into a larger spotlight with her headline appearance on the Other Stage, reflecting her growing stature in the music world.
Following the successful release of her sixth studio album, Brat, earlier this year, Charli has been basking in critical acclaim and touring worldwide. Yet, her Glastonbury set wasn’t without controversy. One standout moment involved Charli setting a Brat flag on fire during the show, while fellow artist Gracie Abrams joined in with a playful dance, adding to the spectacle.
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Fans were divided. Many expressed immense admiration:
“Charli XCX deserves to be on the Pyramid Stage,” one said.
“Charli XCX just casually outshines anyone who’s ever claimed to have stage presence – unbelievable, love her,” another declared.
Some predicted even bigger things ahead: “Charli XCX is going to headline the whole festival in a few years.”
Others appreciated her unique chaos and energy: “I love the chaos of Charli XCX, she’s wonderful. If you don’t get it, that’s okay,” a fan shared.
Even skeptics found themselves won over: “I always had my doubts, but her live performance won me over! She’s confident and her music is fun. If she’s miming, so what? The energy’s real.”
However, not all reactions were positive. Critics raised concerns about Charli’s live vocals, accusing her of heavy lip-syncing:
“I love the energy, but the amount of lip-syncing and backing track reliance slows down the hype,” one listener remarked.
“How does she get away with just standing there, obviously pretending to sing the whole set?” another questioned.
Others were harsher: “Refunds should be given to those who came to see her and got miming instead.”
Some viewers also criticized her attire and overall performance: “Biggest gig of her life, and she appears to have forgotten to get dressed,” one said.
Commentary on the night’s lineup included dismissive remarks about both Charli and Neil Young, emphasizing the mixed reviews of the evening.
Charli XCX, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, first gained international recognition in 2012 with her feature on Icona Pop’s hit “I Love It.” Her continued evolution as an artist keeps capturing public attention, as her Glastonbury performance clearly demonstrated—dividing opinions but undeniably sparking conversation.