British pop sensation Charli XCX made a bold statement at the Brit Awards on March 1, turning the annual ceremony into a celebration of her cultural movement, "brat summer."
The 32-year-old artist took home five awards, including the prestigious Album of the Year for her sixth studio release, Brat.
Fresh from winning three Grammys, Charli XCX solidified her position as one of 2024’s top music stars with Brat, an album known for its lime green aesthetic and carefree party ethos. The record not only propelled her to greater fame but also redefined the term “brat,” even influencing U.S. politics when fans used a “brat” filter on images of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Accepting the award for Album of the Year at London’s O2 Arena, Charli XCX reflected on her journey in the music industry. “I’ve always felt like an outsider, especially in the British music industry, so it feels really special to be recognized for this album,” she said. “I want to share this with all artists who have ever felt they had to compromise to be seen. I think I’m proof that if you stay true to your vision, your time will come.”
Since her 2013 debut album, True Romance, Charli XCX has consistently pushed musical boundaries. However, she hinted that she may never create another album like Brat. “It’s just in my nature to never repeat myself. I’ll probably reject this sound completely and do something totally different next,” she remarked.
In a competitive category, Brat triumphed over albums from veteran rock band The Cure, seven-time Brit Award winner Dua Lipa, jazz ensemble Ezra Collective, and indie newcomers The Last Dinner Party.
Charli XCX’s success didn’t stop at Album of the Year. She also won Song of the Year for Guess, her collaboration with Billie Eilish. “I’m really happy that a song about underwear now has a Brit Award,” she joked while accepting the honor.
Her victories continued with wins for Artist of the Year and Best Dance Act, along with the previously announced Songwriter of the Year award, presented on February 26. Despite her dominance at the event, Charli XCX opted not to perform, saying she didn’t want the “added pressure.” She laughed off host Jack Whitehall’s joke that she simply wanted to get drunk instead.
The ceremony opened with a performance by American pop star Sabrina Carpenter, who delivered her hit Espresso accompanied by dancers dressed as British soldiers. Carpenter also received the Global Success Award, introduced by Motown legend Diana Ross, in recognition of her massive sales in 2024.
Other standout performances came from American rapper Teddy Swims and indie star Sam Fender, who won Best Alternative/Rock Act. Ezra Collective was named Best British Group, while The Last Dinner Party secured the Best New Artist award.
Meanwhile, International Artist of the Year went to American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan, who also won Best International Song for Good Luck, Babe!. She triumphed over a competitive field that included Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Kendrick Lamar.
Since its inception in 1977, the Brit Awards have honored the best in British music, often amid controversy and headline-making moments. However, 2024 marked a concerning shift, as no British artist made it into the year’s top 10 global singles or albums—a first in over two decades.
Despite this industry shift, Charli XCX’s sweeping success at the Brit Awards reinforces her impact on the music scene, proving that persistence and authenticity can lead to well-deserved recognition. Photo by Tom Bellamy Creative, Wikimedia commons.