Get to know Charli XCX: The singer behind 'brat'
She performed a HUGE set at Glastonbury this year!
Last updated 4th Aug 2025
British singer-songwriter, Charli XCX, became the talk of 2024 following her groundbreaking album 'brat', which hit the Number 1 spot and spawned the 'brat summer' phenomenon. But now, one year on from the album's release, Charli's announced 'brat' is more than just for summer; it's forever! It follows a new-and-improved version of the album released in October 2024 — featuring some HUGE collaborations.
Despite Charli's current popularity, the singer has been releasing music for more than 10 years. Now, after Charli won three Grammys and FIVE BRIT Awards, performed at Glastonbury 2025 AND revealed she's in an upcoming movie, let's take a look at who the singer is. Follow her epic rise to fame, and find out what some of her biggest hits are. Here's everything to know about Charli XCX...
What is Charli XCX's real name?
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'. Both have since been certified Gold.
'brat' was released through Atlantic Records on 7th June 2024, and after six months was certified Platinum by the BPI. Four months after its release, it also 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.
'Brat' has now won a Grammy and the 2025 BRIT Award for Mastercard Album of The Year!
Why has Charli changed her 'brat' artwork to 'forever <3'
One year after the released of Charli's smash-hit album 'brat', she released new artwork for the record on streaming platforms, which swapped the word 'brat' for 'forever <3'. It comes after she told fans via the big screen at Lido Festival in London, that: 'it wasn't just a summer thing... it's a forever thing xx'.
She wrote: 'will you hate me if i stick around??? Because i honestly don't know who i am if it's over.' (sic)
BRIT Awards 2025
In 2025, Charli stole the show at the BRITs, picking up all five awards she'd been nominated for! The singer made it a Brat BRITs, winning Dance Act promoted by KISS, Artist of the Year, Mastercard Album of the Year for 'Brat', Song of the Year with Mastercard for 'Guess' featuring Billie Eilish and Songwriter of the Year. Go girl!
Grammy Awards 2025
Charli picked up THREE Grammys at the 2025 awards! 'Brat' won Best Dance/Electronic Music Album and Best Recording Package, while 'Von Dutch' was the winner of Best Dance Pop Recording, going up against songs by Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande, among others.
The singer also took to the stage, performing her winning song 'Von Dutch' as well as 2024 single 'Guess'.
The Ivors 2025
In May 2025, Charli won the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award at The Ivors with Amazon Music. Accepting the award at the event in London on 22nd May, she said: "I'm sure you all agree, I'm hardly Bob Dylan, but one thing I certainly do is commit to the bit," before urging her fellow songwriters not to be afraid to be themselves.
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.
Is she married?
Yes! After around three years of dating, Charli XCX married The 1975 drummer George Daniel on Saturday 19th July 2025.
The pair tied the knot alongside their closest family and friends in a low-key ceremony at Hackney Town Hall, where Charli wore a chic Vivienne Westwood dress.
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 an actress?
Charli is primarily a singer, but in December 2024 she told Variety that she had done a lot of research into moving into a different field.
She said: "I hate it when musicians dive into a different field, head-first, without really researching or learning much of anything about it. So I did a lot of reading to educate myself over the past three or four years before I actually did anything."
Variety later revealed in January 2025 that Charli would be starring in a movie, which is the first feature from her own production company Studio 365.
Is Charli XCX on tour?
Charli started her 'brat 2024 Arena Tour' in November 2024, in support of her album, and finished it in December of the same year — although she does have UK and Ireland dates in her diary for the summer of 2025.
Charli will perform at Malahide Castle & Gardens in Dublin on 17th June, before heading to Belsonic, in Belfast on 18th June. She's then set to play a number of festivals across Europe, including Glastonbury 2025!
Has Charli XCX performed at Glastonbury?
Yes! It was announced in March 2025 that Charli XCX would headline the Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival 2025. She performed on Saturday 28th June, on the same night as RAYE and Neil Young.
After her set, Charli took to Instagram to share a series of photos and videos from the night, writing: 'GLASTONBURY I HAD THE BEST TIME PERFORMING AND PARTYING TYSM FOR THE MOST FUN WEEKEND I LOVE YOU AND I LOVE DOING MY THING. I FEEL HAPPY XXX'.
She also played at the iconic Somerset festival in 2017 and 2022.
How much did Charli XCX's 'Sweat Tour' bridal costume sell for at auction?
In February 2025, Charli donated her 'Sweat Tour' costume to the Give a Frock LA auction, which was raising funds for those affected by the devastating wildfires there. The bridal-inspired leotard, veil and accessories went for an impressive $22,225.
The singer also donated a custom-made Gucci outfit worn on her 2024 'Sweat Tour', which sold for $8,890.
Charli's tour outfits were among a collection of celebrity costumes in the auction, including Sabrina Carpenter's Polka-Dot two-piece from her 'Taste' music video and the Hooded Blue Velvet Mini-Dress she wore in her 'Please Please Please' video. While Chappell Roan's blue bejewelled leotard from her 'Hot To Go' video and tour, complete with epaulettes, went for a huge $88,900.
Charli XCX at Coachella
Charli performed at Coachella in April 2025, alongside headliners Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone and Travis Scott. Also performing at the two-week US music festival was 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 2025 and beyond:
JLS
JLS boys Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams, Marvin Humes, and JB Gill are going on another tour across the UK in November! JLS will begin in Glasgow, before their final date in London at the end of the month.
Cian Ducrot
Cian Ducrot announced in March 2025 he's heading out on his first ever arena headline show! Cian is playing dates across the UK and Ireland in July, September and December!
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff has released her first new music in 10 years called 'Mature' and with it, announced a series of intimate gigs, including one in London. She will perform in London on 19th January 2026 as part of her 'Small Rooms, Big Nerves' tour.
Jason Derulo
Jason will be performing several dates across the UK and Ireland in January and February 2026. The singer is expected to perform some of his biggest hits from the last 15 years.
James Arthur
One to look forward to next year in 2026 - In celebration of his sixth studio album 'Pisces', James Arthur is going on a huge tour in February 2026! Starting in Nottingham at Motorpoint Arena on Tuesday 3rd February, the singer will then travel across the UK ending at Manchester's Co-Op Live on Saturday 21st February.
Fatboy Slim
Fatboy Slim has announced eight dates for his 'Acid Ballroom' tour in February 2026, two in each of the cites - London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
Kesha
'Tik Tok' singer Kesha has announced a new tour for 2026, performing at four UK venues, as well as across Europe in March 2026.
Leigh-Anne
Leigh-Anne will be going on a tour in April 2026. The tour is called 'My Ego Told Me To Tour' and is in support of her debut solo album 'My Ego Told Me To', which will be released in February. She will be playing dates in Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and London as part of a wider European tour.
Alex Warren
'Ordinary' singer Alex Warren is heading to this side of the pond in the spring of 2026, with UK tour dates from 20th April to 6th May. He'll be visiting London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Belfast and Dublin.
Louis Tomlinson
Following the release of his first new music in three years, 'Lemonade', and the announcement of his third solo album 'How Did I Get Here?', Louis Tomlinson has now announced he will be going on a World Tour in 2026. The singer will perform seven dates across the UK and Ireland in April and May 2026.
Example
Example has announced he will be going on tour in May 2026. The singer is known for his hits 'Kickstarts', 'Won't Got Quietly' and 'Changed the Way You Kiss Me'. He will be performing five dates across England in May 2026.
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026'
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026' has been announced featuring Cascada, Ian Van Dahl, Cascada and Darren Styles. Taking place across two weekends in May, the events will take place in Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Aberdeen with a new show in Leeds.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat has announced UK dates for 'Tour Ma Vie World Tour', which will see her performing across the country in May 2026. The 'Say So' singer will start her tour in Glasgow on Thursday 21st May 2026, followed by dates in Manchester and Birmingham, ending her run in London at the O2 Arena on Friday 29th May.
Sister Sisters - 'The Kiki Continues'
The Sister Sisters have now announced outdoor dates across the UK in May, July and August 2026, including several festivals - Mighty Hoopla, Rock Oyster Festival and Boomtown Festival. 'The Kiki Continues' will start in London in May.
James Arthur - Summer dates 2026
James Arthur has announced two dates for Summer 2026. The singer will play in Scarborough and Halifax in July at outdoor venues. He told his fans they would be 'very special shows'.
Lewis Capaldi - Summer dates 2026
In September 2025, just a few days after he started his autumn tour, Lewis announced lots of summer 2026 dates! He then added to these dates after they sold out very quickly. He will tour the UK and Ireland in June, July and August.
Pitbull
Pitbull has been announced as the headline act for several gigs next summer. After the success of his 'Party After Dark Tour' in 2025, he will be returning to the UK for gigs in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast as part of a larger tour including dates in Ireland.
The gigs take place across June and July 2026.
Ariana Grande
In August, Ariana Grande announced she would be going on 'The Eternal Sunshine Tour', including five dates in the UK. The singer will be coming to the UK in August 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
Hits Radio Live 2026
Hits Radio Live 2026 has now been announced at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Friday 20th November 2026 and Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 21st November 2026. Buy tickets now!
Now read:
Why are celebrities doing the 'Apple' dance and what is a 'brat summer'?
Looking ahead at some of the biggest tours coming up in 2025 and beyond
Shaboozey and Alex Warren join Ed Sheeran for an intimate gig at Coachella