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Charli XCX has hit back at accusations she was miming and over-relying on autotune during her headline Glastonbury set on the Other Stage on Saturday night (June 29).
The British pop star drew a huge crowd to Worthy Farm for her energetic performance, but some viewers and festival-goers branded the set “terrible,” claiming she was the “worst headline act” of the weekend.
Criticism centred on the heavy use of autotune and the absence of a live band, with some questioning her credentials as a true live artist.
Taking to social media, Charli responded in typically defiant style. Posting on X she dismissed the criticism as outdated, saying:
“Like the idea that singing with deliberate autotune makes you a fraud or that not having a traditional band suddenly means you must not be a ‘real artist’ is like, the most boring take ever. Yawn sorry just fell asleep xx.”
She also addressed comments calling her performance “boomer vibes,” adding:
“Really enjoying these boomer vibe comments on my Glastonbury performance. It’s super fascinating to me.”
The singer, who is currently riding high on the release of her acclaimed new album Brat, also took the opportunity to thank her supporters, many of whom had praised the show as bold, innovative and full of character.
“But to be honest… I enjoy the discourse. IMO the best art is divisive and confrontational and often evolves into truly interesting culture rather than being like kind of ok, easily understood and sort of forgettable.”
Charli XCX performing live at Glastonbury 2025 Credit: Aaron Parsons for Rolling Stone UK
Charli’s fans rushed to her defence online, praising her for delivering an unapologetic, high-energy performance and pushing the boundaries of modern pop. Some pointed out that autotune has long been part of her sound and creative aesthetic, a deliberate choice rather than a crutch.
While she polarised some Glastonbury viewers, there’s no denying that Charli XCX sparked debate, and, as she herself says, that’s the point.
