The Genius of Charli XCX

Charli XCX performed at Los Angeles' Kia Forum on Sunday night, marking the second of two concerts held over the weekend. Her setlist included tracks from both her Grammy-winning 2024 album Brat and her newly released 2026 album Music, Fashion, Film. The latter, described as a digitally enhanced rock record, explores themes of ambition and trend-chasing while ultimately settling on a reflective acceptance of mortality. The concert featured a mix of pre-recorded tracks from Brat, which earned Charli widespread acclaim, and live performances supported by a gritty band for Music, Fashion, Film. Among the highlights was the performance of "No One Lasts Forever," the closing track of the new album, which also served as the concert's finale. Charli also played older songs such as "Constant Repeat," which she dedicated to her husband, George Daniel, and "Vroom Vroom," a landmark hyperpop track. She performed "House," a gothic folk piece from the film Wuthering Heights, under a single spotlight, and invited Adéla, a Slovakian singer known for her role in the group Katseye, to perform her viral hit "Nicole Kidman." During the concert, Charli showcased the energetic and visually striking elements of her music, including the track "Club Classics," during which she wore sunglasses reminiscent of Superman's cape, and "Guess," where pairs of underwear rained down on the audience in tribute to the music video featuring Billie Eilish. The performance of "Rock Music," the opening track of Music, Fashion, Film, included lyrics suggesting that "the dance floor is dead." This sentiment seemed to resonate with the audience, who embraced the intensity of the performance without hesitation. The middle portion of the concert featured a club-style segment with strobe lights, highlighting the enduring appeal of Charli's earlier works. Songs such as "Camera," a candid reflection on her aspirations in film, and "Magic Metal Montana," a heartfelt tribute to her collaborator A.G. Cook, underscored the emotional depth of the new album. The track "SS26" stood out for its raw depiction of walking on a metaphorical path leading to destruction. Throughout the performance, Charli demonstrated a blend of artistic expression and personal introspection, offering a glimpse into her evolving perspective on fame, creativity, and the challenges of contemporary life. Her ability to connect with the audience through both her music and her presence on stage highlighted the continued relevance of her work in today's cultural landscape.