Get to know Charli XCX: The singer behind 'brat'
Find out more about 'brat summer' creator Charli XCX
Charli XCX - real name Charlotte Emma Aitchison - is a British singer songwriter. The singer's groundbreaking album 'brat' was the talk of the summer, hitting the Number 1 spot and spawning the 'brat summer' phenomenon - and she's not finished there. Releasing a new-and-improved version of the album in October - featuring some HUGE collaborations - it appears we may have a 'brat autumn' on our hands.
Despite Charli's current popularity, the singer has been releasing music for more than 10 years. As we welcome her new remix album - 'Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat' - let's take a look at who the singer is, her epic rise to fame, what some of her biggest hits are and where to catch her live. Here's everything to know about Charli XCX...
What is Charli XCX's real name?
As mentioned above, Charli XCX's real name is Charlotte Emma Aitchison. Her stage name comes from the MSN Messenger name she used when she was younger.
How did Charli XCX become famous?
Charli XCX started writing music when she was just 14-years-old. As a teenager she started posting her songs on MySpace, when she was noticed by a promoter, and asked to perform at some events.
A few years later, in 2010, Charli was signed to Asylum Records, when she released her first commercially available album 'True Romance'. However, it wasn't until the following year, with the release of 'Sucker', that she had success in the UK charts, with the album going to Number 15.
Despite writing the hit 'I Love It', Charli decided not to release it herself, and it was later released by Icona Pop in 2012, featuring Charli XCX. The song went to Number 1 in the UK and has been certified 2x Platinum.
How many albums has Charli XCX had?
'brat' is Charli XCX's sixth album, her debut album 'True Romance' was released in 2013, however it didn't enter the Top 40. It was followed by 'Sucker' just a year later, which reached Number 15, 'Charli' (2019), 'How I'm Feeling Now' (2020), and 'Crash' (2002).
Charli released her first remix album on 11th October 2024, titled 'Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat'. The record features all of the tracks on her studio album 'brat', however remixed to feature various huge artists. It was the following week 'Brat' reached Number 1 in the album chart.
Charli XCX's album 'brat'
Charli's latest studio album is called 'brat', and features 15 songs on its standard edition, with an extra three songs on its deluxe edition. The record features songs such as 'Apple', which quickly became a TikTok viral hit with its very own dance, and '360', which has since been certified Gold.
'brat' was released through Atlantic Records on 7th June 2024, and after two months was certified Gold by the BPI. Four months after its release, it hit the Number 1 spot in the album chart.
Following the album's release, and the subsequent 'brat summer' phenomenon, November 2024 saw the word 'brat' top the Collins Dictionary list for Word of the Year.
Is there a remix of her 'brat' album?
Following the release of her sixth studio album 'brat', Charli began to drop various remixes of tracks from the record, featuring huge artists who had their spin on the songs.
In the weeks and months following the release of 'brat', we were gifted with remixes such as 'Girl, So Confusing' with Lorde, 'Girl, 'Guess' featuring Billie Eilish and 'Talk Talk' featuring Troye Sivan - with Dua Lipa's vocals also featuring.
It was then on 5th October 2024 that Charli revealed a full list of artists set to feature on her full album of remixed tracks - soon revealing that 'Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat' was set for set release on 11th October 2024.
Artists featuring on the 'brat' remix album include: Robyn & Yung Lean, BB Trickz, Ariana Grande, The 1975 & Jon Hopkins, Troye Sivan, Addison Rae, Caroline Polachek, Bladee, A. G. Cook, Lorde, The Japanese House, Tinashe, Julian Casablancas, Bon Iver, Shygirl and Billie Eilish.
Check out the full tracklist here, as well as everything you need to know about the remix album.
Brat crowned Collins Dictionary Word of the Year
Beating shortlisted words such as 'era', 'yapping' and 'delulu', the adjective 'brat' was crowned the Word of the Year by the Collins Dictionary in November 2024. Sharing the news, the printed and online dictionary of English shared the definition, writing: 'adjective characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude'.
In what can't come as a surprise to many, the word has (of course) been around for a long time, however Charli XCX's sixth studio album had an undeniable effect on its popularity, with Collins Dictionary making many notable nods to the singer in their social posts - from imitating her album artwork, to including the iconic green apple donning Charli-esque black sunglasses.
Does she have a Bratz doll?
Despite the name of her hit album, surprisingly, Charli does not actually have her own Bratz doll. The brand, however, did post an image recreating her music video with Billie Eilish. Showing what the pair would look like as Bratz dolls, the image recreated an iconic shot from their 'Guess (remix)' music video.
What are Charli XCX's biggest hits?
Over the years, Charli has several big hits that she's released herself, as well as songs she's written for other artists. Her breakthrough solo song was 'Boom Clap' in 2014, followed by several Top 20 hits including 'Doing It' with Rita Ora, '1999' with Troye Sivan, 'Speed Drive', '360' and 'Apple'.
'Apple' became a big hit, both in the charts and on social media, as it started the 'Apple' dance craze. Celebrities and fans took to TikTok to record themselves doing the dance. Charli herself even joined in recording a video.
Charli XCX for Skims
On 19th August 2024, the exciting news was announced that Charli was fronting the new campaign for Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand, SKIMS. Charli joins an exclusive list of A-list stars that have fronted the viral band, including the likes of Paris Hilton, Lana Del Rey, Kate Moss and Sabrina Carpenter.
The collection Charli fronts is the latest cotton collection - with the series of photographs showing off a stripped-back sporty look, championing her carefree spirit. The collection launched on 21st August 2024.
On appearing on the campaign, Charli said: "Skims empowers people to feel confident in their own skin, which is the essence of brat".
Is Charli XCX on tour?
Charli will be going on tour later this year. The singer announced her 'brat 2024 Arena Tour' in support of her album in April. She will be performing in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow, starting on 27th November in Manchester.
Charli XCX at Coachella
Charli's now been announced for Coachella 2025! She’ll be performing as part of the two-week US music festival in April, alongside headliners Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone and Travis Scott. Also performing will be Missy Elliott, Benson Boone, Shaboozey and Basement Jaxx, alongside many other great acts.
Who has Charli XCX written for?
As well as releasing six albums, Charli has also written several very popular songs for other artists. You might recognise hits such as Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's 'Señorita', Selena Gomez's 'Same Old Love', Camila Cabello feat. Quavo's 'OMG' and Icona Pop's 'I Love It'.
Did Charli XCX perform at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Despite rumours, Charli XCX didn't perform during the Paris 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony. The singer originally quoted Billie Eilish's post on X writing: '... you wanna guess ;)', however she quickly back tracked on her post after it started to go viral, later writing: 'lololololol sry just kidding', (sic).
Take a look through tours in 2024 and beyond:
Myles Smith
Myles Smith has announced his biggest solo tour due to take place in February 2025. His tour, called the 'We Were Never Strangers' tour, will start on 15th February in Leeds, before finishing in London on 26th February.
Craig David
Craig David will be going on tour in February 2025, with special guest Lemar. The singer has announced a series of dates across the UK, including Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle and many more.
Sabrina Carpenter
'Espresso' icon Sabrina Carpenter will be gracing the UK & Ireland with dates on her 'Short N' Sweet Tour' in March 2025. The tour is in support of her sixth studio album of the same name, and will also see her perform across North America and Europe.
She's also announced she'll headline American Express Presents BST Hyde Park, in London, on Saturday 5th July.
Sean Paul and Ashanti
Sean Paul and Ashanti are teaming up for a collaborative tour in April 2025, playing dates across the UK and Ireland. The tour will kick off in Belfast on 9th April with both Ashanti and Sean Paul, before Sean plays solo in Aberdeen and Newcastle. Ashanti will then re-join the tour for dates in Leeds, Glasgow, Nottingham, London, Birmingham and Manchester, with Sean finishing the tour on his own in Cardiff, Brighton and Bournemouth.
Olly Murs
Olly Murs has announced a huge 16 date UK and Ireland tour for April and May 2025. The tour is to celebrate 15 years in music, and he will be joined by special guests Blue.
Gary Barlow
Gary Barlow has announced a huge UK and Ireland tour, with dates in April, May and June 2025. The 'Let Me Go' singer will be visiting 27 locations, performing songs from his back catalogue, including some of his iconic Take That hits. Tickets for the 'Songbook Tour' go on sale on Friday 29th November 2024.
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue has announced her latest tour will be called 'The Tension Tour' and will take place in the UK throughout May 2025. Speaking about her tour, Kylie said: "I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can't wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It's been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!"
Scissor Sisters
The Scissors Sisters are returning for a UK tour, performing in Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Leeds, Birmingham and more in May 2025. The last time the band were on tour was back in 2012 with their 'Let's Have A Kiki Tour', named after a song on their fourth album 'Magic Hour'. This new tour will feature Jake Shears, Babydaddy and Del Marquis and celebrate the release of their debut album.
Nelly
Noughties legend Nelly is bringing his 'Where The Party At' tour to the UK in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his debut album 'Country Grammar'. He'll be joined by special guests Eve, Fabolous, Jermaine Dupri and St. Lunatics when he heads to London, Birmingham and Manchester in June 2025.
Nelly is best known for his iconic R&B tracks 'Ride Wit Me', 'Hot In Herre' and collab with Kelly Clarkson 'Dilemma'.
Sam Fender
Sam Fender has announced two dates in his home town of Newcastle in June 2025, which will follow his tour of the UK and Ireland in the run up to Christmas 2024. He'll head to St James' Park on Thursday 12th and Saturday 14th June.
Dua Lipa
Not only did Dua Lipa delight fans when she announced a new UK date for her 'Radical Optimism' tour - performing at Wembley Stadium in London - but she upped the excitement as she added another date, due to popular demand. She will be performing at the world-famous venue on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st June 2025.
She later announced a date in Liverpool on 24th June 2025.
Olivia Rodrigo
Despite only recently finishing her 'Guts World Tour', 'Vampire' singer Olivia Rodrigo has announced more UK tour dates for 2025. She'll be heading to London's Hyde Park for American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Friday 27th June. She'll also be heading to Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena for her rescheduled set on Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July, after problems with the venue forced cancellation at the eleventh hour in May 2024.
The Script
The Script sold out the first UK leg of their 'Satellites World Tour', which took place in 2024 — but they have now announced several more dates for June and July 2025 taking place at several festivals and outdoor venues.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' tour will be coming to the UK in July 2025 after visiting the US, Australia and wider Europe. The 'Bad Guy' singer will be performing 12 dates in the UK, including in Manchester and London. It follows the release of her third album of the same name in May 2024.
Coldplay
Coldplay announced eight-date UK stadium tour in September 2024. The tour will take place in London and Hull, with two dates at Hull's Craven Park Stadium, and six at London's Wembley Stadium, in August 2025.
One Republic
One Republic will be heading out on tour in September 2025. The band behind huge hit 'Counting Stars' will be joined by special guest, Ella Henderson as they head to London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Birmingham for the 'Escape to Europe 2025 Tour'.
Busted Vs McFly
Busted and McFly are teaming up for an ultimate battle of the bands tour in 2025, playing dates across the UK in September and October 2025. The tour is called Busted Vs McFly.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is never afraid to put on a show, and she'll be doing just that in London, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Glasgow in October 2025. She revealed in November 2024 that she'll be bringing 'The Lifetimes Tour' to the UK.
Now read:
Why are celebrities doing the 'Apple' dance and what is a 'brat summer'?
Charli XCX announces her biggest ever headline shows in the UK for her 'BRAT 2024 Arena Tour'
Looking ahead at some of the biggest tours coming up in 2024 and beyond