Charli XCX turned London’s O2 Arena into a dazzling celebration of music, fashion, and self-expression on Thursday night, as she delivered an electrifying performance to a sold-out crowd. The night, brimming with neon colors, rave-inspired fashion, and a palpable sense of excitement, was a testament to Charli’s musical evolution and the cultural impact of her latest album, Brat. For those in attendance, the concert wasn’t just a typical show; it was a full-on experience.
From the moment fans entered the arena, they were immersed in the Brat aesthetic. The key-lime green cover art of the album was everywhere, from the glow of concertgoers’ outfits to the glowing wristbands distributed to those on the floor. Influenced by Charli’s fearless attitude, many attendees struck poses and strutted through the venue like they were walking a runway. While typical concert frustrations, like long drink lines and restroom delays, could have dampened the mood, the energy inside the arena remained undeterred. As long as the club anthems kept playing, the crowd was determined to enjoy every moment.
@craigizzle CHARLI X ROBYN X YUNG LEAN ✨ #360 #360remix #yunglean #robyn #charlixcx #brat #brattour #brattourlondon #london #theo2
Charli opened the show with a bang, performing the nihilistic anthem “365.” The energy in the room was instant and explosive, with the crowd jumping and dancing wildly in tune with the music. Charli’s setlist was a carefully curated blend of tracks from Brat and its remixes, along with fan-favorites from her previous albums. The first act set the tone, with Charli and opening act Shygirl delivering a remixed version of the track “365” that had the crowd roaring in approval.
The performance, which lasted nearly two hours, was structured into five distinct acts, each bringing a new level of visual spectacle and musical diversity. Charli didn’t disappoint in her costume changes, each outfit more glamorous than the last. The second act featured “Unlock It” from her Pop 2 mixtape, followed by crowd-pleasers “Club Classics” and “Talk Talk.” As Charli performed these high-energy songs, she soared higher into the air on a suspended platform, making the show feel like a larger-than-life pop spectacle.
@pleaseespresso
A surprise moment occurred during the performance of “Apple,” where Charli was known to put the camera on a fan in the crowd to do the viral TikTok dance associated with the song. However, the crowd was caught off guard when Charli’s fiancé, George Daniel, appeared on screen, performing the dance himself—something he’s notoriously avoided doing on social media.
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Despite performing solo on stage, Charli’s use of clever camerawork and her immersive, club-like set design ensured the audience remained engaged throughout the performance. At one point, during the track “Spring Breakers,” Charli moved under the stage and sang directly to the camera, creating an intimate, almost music video-like moment. For the slower track “Party 4 U,” Charli swung a glowing rope suspended from the ceiling, adding an emotional, wistful touch to the set.
@charlixcx george did the apple dance!!!!
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments came during the final act, when Charli invited three surprise guests to join her on stage. Caroline Polachek, who had collaborated with Charli on a remix of “Everything Is Romantic,” joined the singer to perform the track, with the crowd chanting along to the now-iconic lyric, “free bleeding in the autumn rain.” The energy only heightened when Robyn and Yung Lean appeared for a surprise performance of their remix of “360,” sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Robyn, ever the icon, continued the celebration with her solo performance of her classic club hit “Dancing on My Own.” The sight of Charli, Caroline, Robyn, and Yung Lean sharing the stage was a powerful moment of solidarity, reinforcing the sense that Brat is not just an album—it’s part of a larger cultural movement, a celebration of empowerment, freedom, and inclusivity. The audience responded with joy and catharsis, dancing and swaying in unison as Charli beamed with pride from the stage.
As the night drew to a close, Charli XCX ended the show with the song that helped catapult her to stardom in 2013, “I Love It.” The moment felt full circle, as Charli reflected on her journey from indie-pop upstart to boundary-pushing global star. Her O2 Arena performance was a celebration not only of her latest album but of her unique place in pop culture. With Brat and its accompanying live shows, Charli XCX has solidified herself as a cultural force whose music speaks to a generation, and her London show was proof that, in her world, it’s all about confidence, connection, and an unapologetic love for the music.
