Charli XCX dominated Glastonbury 2024 with a late-night DJ set at Levels at the peak of ‘Brat’ summer. After, it seemed like she was odds-on to headline the whole festival, finally making it to the top of the Pyramid Stage. That wasn’t to be, but her Other Stage headline set on Saturday (June 28) once again feels like a moment that overshadows all of the festival’s main bill-toppers.
Of course, there were plenty of bratty moments that went into the biggest show of the star’s career and helped make Charli’s latest Glastonbury conquering so electrifying.
As is now tradition for Charli’s shows in the ‘Brat’ era, she began her set with a lime green ‘Brat’ banner hanging on the stage behind her. Over the course of her live performances, it has become ever more tattered, with the album title gradually being scrawled out. Tonight, though, Charli takes the disintegration of the curtain one step further, setting it on fire as pyro lights up the front of the stage.
Going into Charli’s set, expectations for some collabs and guest appearances are high. Lorde, at least, is on-site, and it feels like the perfect opportunity for the British singer to make some memorable moments with her other high-profile pals. Instead, though, Charli opts to remain the single focus on stage, masterfully delivering a show-stopping performance all by herself. Sure, there are boos when ‘Girl, So Confusing’ comes and goes without its special guest popping out for her verse, but in the end, it feels fitting and powerful for Charli to do this just her.
Given the nature of Charli’s music, it’s not a stretch to say that a lot of the people in the massive crowd were probably under the influence of something. Even the stone-cold sober could get into the spirit, thanks to the visuals during the likes of ‘Everything Is Romantic’. Blurry, hazy and very, very wavy, they brought the intoxicating effect of Charli’s set brilliantly to life.
So far this year, Charli’s been ending her sets with on-screen messages about the end of ‘Brat’ summer and where she goes from her. Glastonbury was no different, with the screens at the side of the stage sharing that she doesn’t “know who I am” without ‘Brat’. Instead of declaring ‘Brat’ summer over, though, she thanks the crowd for showing her that it is, in fact, forever. Long live ‘Brat’.
After you’re done headlining the second biggest stage at Glastonbury for what’s the biggest show of your career, how do you wrap up your night? Some people would remain backstage, hanging out with their nearest and dearest. Others would call it and go to bed for a well-deserved rest. Charli, though, capped her big Saturday by joining her partner –The 1975 drummer George Daniel – at his San Remo DJ set, dancing alongside him in the booth to the delight of fans.
Check back at NME here for the latest news, reviews, interviews, photos and more from Glastonbury 2025.
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