Charli XCX Responds to Criticism of Her Glastonbury Set: ‘the Best Art Is Divisive’


Charli XCX has responded to the online critiques of her performance at Glastonbury on Saturday night. Following her set, which was broadcast live on BBC’s iPlayerin the U.K., many viewers took to social media to criticize her use of autotune and to call her “the worst performer.”
In a series of tweets, Charli XCX dismissed the controversy and defended her creative choices. “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,” she wrote.
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She added, “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.”
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Roekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R18ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeAfter sharing a five-star review of her set, she noted, “really enjoying these boomer vibe comments on my glastonbury performance. it’s super fascinating to me.”
Charli XCX headlined the Other Stage on Saturday night. She performed several hits off her most recent album, Brat, including “Apple,” “Von Dutch,” and “Girl, So Confusing.” Gracie Abrams was in the crowd to show off the “Apple Dance,” a tradition on Charli XCX’s tour. At the end of the set, she declared that Brat Summer is “a forever thing.”
Earlier this month, Charli XCX surprised fans by joining Dua Lipa on stage at London’s Wembley Stadium for her 2025Radical Optimismworldtour.The singer teamed up with Lipa to perform herBrathit, “360.” She also joined French electronic duoAirfor a performance of their “Cherry Blossom Girl” at Paris’ We Love Green festival.
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Charli XCX's bold assertion of the divisive nature inherent in great art exemplifies both her innovative spirit and willingness to provoke thought-provoking debate, making a timely point about creativity amidst criticism during her Glastonbury set.

Charli's stance on her Glastonbury set controversy highlights a crucial aspect of artistic expression—that the most impactful art provokes polarizing emotions and sparks meaningful discussion.

Charli XCX's response to criticism, stating that the 'best art is divisive,' resonates not just with her performance at Glastonbury but embodies a bold view of creative expression challenging boundaries and sparking conversations.

The bold statement from Charli XCX resonates, reminding us that the most compelling art inspires emotion--both love and disapproval. In embracing her Glastonbury set's divisive nature as 'the best', she demonstrates an artist willing to push boundaries for true artistic expression.

Charli XCX's bold statement in response to Glastonbury setback is a testament that true art, by its nature provocative and divisive, echoing the belief of fostering dialogue through confrontation.

Charli XCX's bold stance on the divisiveness of art in response to her Glastonbury set criticism underscores a crucial truth: true creativity inevitably sparks debate and ignites passion.

Charli XCX's bold defense of her Glastonbury set, claiming that 'the best art is divisive,' embodies an exciting transgressive spirit in contemporary music where challenges to conventional norms are celebrated.

With her bold statement, Charli XCX embodies the spirit of art that challenges conventional boundaries and sparks passionate reactions – expressing a vision where inclusivity lies within diverse opinions.

Excellent perspective by Charli XCX, who boldly proclaims that the most impactful art stirs controversy and division—a testament to its authenticity in provoking thought.