Why are celebrities doing the 'Apple' dance and what is a 'brat summer'?
Are we heading into a brat autumn?
Last updated 8th Oct 2024
Following the release of Charli XCX's album 'brat', you were bound to have heard the term 'brat summer' doing the rounds, and we wouldn't blame you for wondering what it was all about - and why everyone is doing the 'Apple' dance?
Well, wonder no more, as we're here to take you through what 'brat' is all about - and here's a clue, it's not a naughty child! As Charli drops her star-studded remixed version of the hit record, let's refresh our memories on the phenomenon that is 'brat summer', and seemingly prepare for a 'brat autumn'...
What is 'brat'?
'brat' is the name of Charli XCX's latest album, however summer 2024 saw it become so much more. Following the release of the album in June, which draws influences from the 00s rave scene, 'brat' quickly became a phenomenon, and even a way of life - but more on that later...
What is the 'Apple' dance?
After the release of 'brat', several songs from the album went viral on TikTok with fans recording videos of them dancing. In particular, the song 'Apple' now has its own dance, which saw Charli herself joining in with the trend.
The dance was created by Kelley Heyer, a New York-based actor and content creator. She told The Guardian: "The rhythm in Apple made me want to dance in a certain way. I basically woke up, stood in front of a mirror and took everything from the lyrics."
Hits Radio presenter, and I'm a Celeb winner Sam Thompson, roped his BBF Pete Wicks into doing the Apple dance. Dressed in inflatable costumes, as a cow and pig in 30 degree heat, the pair tried their best to copy the dance craze that's taking TikTok by storm.
WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE
On KISS, Harriet asked Chloe Burrows about her summer, which she admitted was brat, and it looks like she has the dance down to a T as well!
Along with Sam and Chloe, several other celebs have been joining in with the craze, including Amelia Dimoldenberg, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Ashley Tisdale and Cara Delevingne.
Amelia Dimoldenberg
Chicken Shop Date star, and presenter Amelia Dimoldenberg joined in the dance craze, sharing her video on TikTok...
Daisy Edgar-Jones
Ashley Tisdale
Cara Delevingne
What are the lyrics to 'Apple'?
The lyrics for the part of the song that has gone viral are:
'I think the apple’s rotten right to the core / From all the things passed down from all the apples coming before
'I split the apple down symmetrical lines / And what I find is kinda scary / Makes me just wanna drive.'
What is 'brat summer'?
Since the release of 'brat', Gen Z have coined the term 'brat summer'. The trend, inspired by the album is the rejection of traditional expectations and a celebration of individuality. While the term brat used to be negative, brat summer is anything but, it is a symbol of strength, and confidence.
When asked what the essentials for a brat summer are, Charli XCX told the BBC: "Like a pack of cigs and like a bic lighter yes and like a strappy white top, with no bra. That's like kind of all you need."
We asked Twisters actors Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones if they were having a brat summer...
The 'brat' remix album
Just four months after the release of 'brat', Charli delighted all those mourning their 'brat summer's by dropping a remixed version of the album. The album - titled 'Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat' - features the albums original tracks, however remixed to feature some other huge artists.
Releasing a selection of the tracks as singles in the lead-up to the remix album's 11th October release, we were gifted with 'Von Dutch' (A. G. Cook remix) featuring Addison Rae, 'Girl, So Confusing' featuring Lorde, 'Guess' featuring Billie Eilish and 'Talk Talk' featuring Troye Sivan - with a touch of Dua Lipa for good measure.
Other artists featuring on the remixed 'brat' 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 everything you need to know about 'Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat' here - including which artists feature on which tracks.
Take a look at tours coming up 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:
Charli XCX announces her biggest ever headline shows in the UK for her 'BRAT 2024 Arena Tour'
Charli XCX and Sam Smith open up about their song 'In The City'
Looking ahead at some of the biggest tours coming up in 2024 and beyond