Charli XCX declares 'brat summer' is forever <3
Remember that iconic 'Apple' dance?!
Last updated 18th Jun 2025
Following the release of Charli XCX's album 'brat' in 2024, you were bound to have heard the term 'brat summer' doing the rounds. And now, one year later, we've had word that 'brat' is set to continue into the future — as Charli celebrates the album's first anniversary by declaring brat is forever!
But what exactly does it mean? And why was everyone doing the 'Apple' dance? We're here to take you through what 'brat' is all about — and here's a clue, it's not a naughty child! Let's refresh our memories on the phenomenon that is 'brat summer', and seemingly prepare for more brat behaviour...
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 that year, 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' 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 took TikTok by storm.
WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE
On KISS, Harriet asked Chloe Burrows about her summer in 2024, 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 joined 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."
Last year, 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 2024 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.
How did Charli XCX declare 'brat' is forever?
One year after the album's release, in June 2025, Charli announced at Lido Festival in London, that 'brat' is more than just a summer phenomenon. During her set, she wrote a message to fans on the big screen, after asking fans if brat summer was officially over. It said:
'BUT ACTUALLY... i don't think it is. so tell me the truth, would you hate me if i stick around ??? because honestly i don't know who i am if it's over. and so... I've decided i want this to last forever. it wasn't just a summer thing... it's a forever thing xx PLEASE DON'T LET IT BE OVER.' (sic)
The word 'forever <3' then began popping up on billboards in various places and on streaming services, replacing the word 'brat' on that iconic green background and in Charli's recognisable font.
So it looks like brat is here to stay!
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Now read:
Get to know Charli XCX: The singer behind 'brat'
Charli XCX and Sam Smith open up about their song 'In The City'
Looking ahead at some of the biggest tours coming up in 2025 and beyond