Charli XCX is facing backlash after her headline set on Glastonbury’s Other Stage Saturday night, with some viewers accusing the pop star of miming throughout her performance.
The 32-year-old took to the stage in an all-black outfit, complete with sunglasses and knee-high boots, kicking off her set with high-energy performances of “360” and “Von Dutch,” followed by a mix of new and classic hits.
While the crowd at Worthy Farm appeared to enjoy the show, online critics were quick to question the authenticity of the performance.
Several social media users claimed Charli XCX relied heavily on backing tracks and accused her of not singing live.
Several social media users claimed Charli XCX relied heavily on backing tracks and accused her of not singing live
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One viewer wrote: “Imagine going to Glastonbury to watch Charli XCX headline and she autotunes and mimes through the whole damn set!”
Another added: “Charli XCX embarrassing that, turning up to walk around stage pretending to sing…”
One particularly harsh post read: “Charli XCX miming her way thru every song at Glastonbury, her mic only used for the odd ‘Come On’ shout. Guess she dresses like that to stop people looking at her lipsync. Live should be live. #charlixcx #Glasto.” (sic)
Other critical comments included: “Call me old school but I’m not really buying a festival headliner using huge backing tracks & miming 90 per cent of the performance #charlixcx #Glastonbury2025” and “What part of Charli XCX is ‘live music’? Get her off that stage ffs #Glastonbury2025.”
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Despite the backlash, Charli XCX’s career has been on an upward trajectory
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Another simply stated: “Predictable but shame nonetheless that Charli XCX can’t sing live #Glastonbury2025 #charlixcx FAKE.”
However, others came to the singer’s defence, with one passionate fan writing: “If you don’t like Charli XCX don’t watch her f***ing set.
“She's a young, talented performer who literally has complete control over the crowd, you hating on her when she’s clearly an incredible musician is just embarrassing. #Glastonbury2025.”
Despite the backlash, Charli XCX’s career has been on an upward trajectory.
Her latest album, Brat, reached number one in the UK, Ireland, and Australia, and debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200.
She’s known for hits like “360,” “365,” “Speed Drive,” “Apple,” “Official,” and earlier tracks including “Boom Clap,” “Boys,” and “Vroom Vroom.”
During her Glastonbury set, Charli featured American singer Gracie Abrams - who performed on the same stage the previous day - for a performance of the viral hit “Apple”.
This follows backlash against other headline acts, including Neil Young, whose Pyramid Stage performance drew criticism online, with some viewers describing it as underwhelming.
Young took to the stage with his band, the Chrome Hearts, opening with Sugar Mountain to a reportedly sparse crowd.
Social media reactions painted a starkly negative picture, with one person writing: “Watched a few minutes of this Neil Young man, this is like the worst thing I've ever seen and heard.”
Another added: “I’m a Neil Young fan but not sure about this…….. #Glastonbury”.
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