What notable guests did Charli XCX bring along for her performance at Coachella? How did she tease her appearance prior to the festival? What were some standout moments of her performance? Did she perform songs outside of her recent album, and if so, which ones? What sentiments did she express regarding the concept of "Brat Summer"?
Charli XCX brought her “Brat” tour to Coachella along with many of the guests she’s had on the album (and onstage) in the ten months since she launched the album: Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan — and in an uncharacteristically sentimental typed montage on the giant video screens at the show’s end, she teased that even though summer is long since over, she never wants “Brat Summer” to end.
The veteran singer-songwriter-producer dropped a coy hint in the days before the festival, using the road-to-Coachella-billboard tradition to tease the appearance by taking out a billboard in the trademark bilious shade of light green featured on the Grammy-winning “Brat” album cover, but with the word crossed out. It set off the expected flurry of social-media speculation, none of it conclusive. (Far more obvious was Eilish’s Instagram story yesterday: a blank slate of “Brat” green.)
Charli’s performance was strong but basically the same set she’s been touring since her joint “Sweat” tour with Sivan last fall, albeit with not only him (for “Talk Talk”) but also a khaki-clad Lorde (who’d also joined her onstage in New York in September for “Girl, So Confusing”) and Eilish (for the remix of “Guess”). As usual, however, Charli was onstage solo for most of the night, bodying the songs with her trademark unusually violent dancing: hard fist pumps and hair-whipping, torso wrenching, and writhing on the stage floor.
Every song except three were from the album: She also served up 2017’s “Unlock It,” 2019’s “Blame It on Your Love,” and finished with the song that launched her career as a hitmaker, “I Love It,” the Icona Pop global hit that she wrote and co-produced. And just as it seemed the show was over, words began appearing in a slow sequence, in her familiar style and typefaces, on the giant screens on either side of the stage as she stood and basked in the applause.
“Thank you so much Coachella,” they began. “Does this mean that brat summer is finally over????? … Idk? … Maybe? … yeah cuz duh it was already over like last year. … wait… was it? … NO???… I don’t know who I am if it’s over??? FUCKKKKK…. Wait… I remembered…I’m Charli XCX… and honestly… I just want this moment to last forever… PLEASE DON’T LET IT BE OVER.” And with that, the lights went down.
Realistically, “Brat Summer” was likely to last at least until the fall, as she’s got a brace of U.S. area dates following Coachella, and then will be performing at European festivals all summer.
Charli XCX Shakes Coachella with Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan: A Night to Remember
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has long been regarded as a premier platform for artists to showcase their talent. In 2023, the festival reached new heights with an electrifying performance featuring the likes of Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan. This unforgettable collaboration highlighted not just their individual artistry, but also the magic that happens when some of the most innovative voices in pop music unite for a night of celebration.
Charli XCX, known for her boundary-pushing sound and a keen ability to blend genres, opened the evening with an explosive performance that set the tone for the rest of the night. From her early hits like "Boom Clap" to her more recent experimental work, Charli’s set was a rollercoaster of energy, seamlessly transitioning between pop anthems and avant-garde tracks. Dressed in a vibrant, eye-catching ensemble that perfectly encapsulated the Coachella spirit, Charli commanded the stage with a charisma that is both infectious and exhilarating.
The audience was immediately captivated by the blend of charismatics in her performance. Songs such as “Vroom Vroom” and “Shake It” had festival-goers dancing as the vibrant lights pulsed in time with the beats. Charli’s performance served as a vivid reminder that pop music is a dynamic and ever-evolving art form. The palpable energy of her stage presence was further amplified when she invited Billie Eilish to join her for a stunning rendition of “Boys,” a collaboration that left fans raving. The juxtaposition of their musical styles—a playful, upbeat track fused with Billie’s haunting, ethereal vocal delivery—created a moment of musical alchemy that will go down in Coachella history.
Billie Eilish, a superstar in her own right, followed Charli with a set that showcased the evolution of her artistry. Known for her introspective lyrics and genre-defying soundscapes, Billie drew the audience in with her powerful vocals and emotional delivery. Performing tracks from her critically acclaimed album "Happier Than Ever," Billie brought a different energy to the festival. Songs like “Lost Cause” and “Your Power” resonated deeply with both longtime fans and new listeners, reinforcing her status as one of the defining voices of her generation.
What made Eilish’s performance particularly noteworthy was her willingness to engage with the crowd, fostering an intimate atmosphere. Her simplicity, embodied in her casual yet stylish attire and her heartfelt stage presence, allowed the audience to connect with her on a personal level. Highlights included her stripped-down performance of "When the Party’s Over," where the audience sang along in a nearly religious experience, creating a sea of emotional resonance across the festival grounds.
Next on stage was Lorde, whose artistry embraces elements of folk, pop, and electronic music, adding a sonic variety to the night’s lineup. Sporting her trademark confidence and poise, Lorde delivered an electrifying performance that showcased her exceptional vocal range and lyricism. Opening with “Green Light,” she invited the crowd to join her on a journey of nostalgia and self-reflection through her music. As she effortlessly transitioned into hits like “Royals” and “Solar Power,” the audience raised their voices in chorus, creating a sense of unity that is emblematic of Coachella’s spirit.
Lorde’s ability to blend storytelling with catchy hooks made her set both anthemic and introspective, perfectly balancing upbeat tempos with reflective moments. It was during her performance of “Supercut,” that the crowd truly erupted, feeling the shared experiences portrayed in the lyrics. Her effortless mix of deep emotion and catchy melodies encapsulated the ethos of her music—an artistic exploration of adolescence and the complexities of modern life.
Troye Sivan, the final act of the evening, brought a vibrant energy that was impossible to ignore. Known for his infectious pop tunes and heartfelt lyrics, Troye has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that resonates with his authenticity and vulnerability. His performance was a high-octane spectacle that featured dazzling choreography and captivating visuals. Tracks like "Dance To This" and "My My My!" had festival-goers singing and dancing in unison, cementing Troye’s status as a must-see live performer.
Troye’s collaboration with Charli XCX on stage for "1999" was a highlight of the evening, bringing nostalgia to the forefront and evoking a sense of joy and remembrance of the past. Their chemistry was palpable, as they engaged the audience with playful banter and dynamic vocal harmonies, leaving everyone craving more.
As the night culminated, all four artists joined forces for a surprise finale that left the audience in awe. A medley of their hits played in synchrony, creating an atmosphere that showcased the power of collaboration in pop music. Each artist brought their unique style to the stage, creating a harmonious blend that underscored the beauty of diversity in the music industry.
This Coachella performance by Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan was a celebration of the evolution of pop music—one filled with innovation, creativity, and a connection to fans that defines the very essence of music festivals. It served as a reminder that while each artist is a force in their own right, together they create a powerful symphony that resonates across genres and generations. In a world that often feels divided, their unity and artistry offered a night of sheer joy and artistic brilliance.
At Coachella, Charli XCX delivered an electrifying performance alongside notable artists like Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan. The festival showcased a vibrant atmosphere with fans eagerly anticipating collaborations and surprise appearances. Charli’s dynamic stage presence and energetic set left a lasting impression, highlighting her unique sound and artistry. The synergy between these talented artists created memorable moments, celebrating music and creativity in a star-studded environment.