Author: Christina Zaglis.

Charli XCX has yet again shattered expectations with her Glasgow performance at the OVO Hydro on December 2, 2024, showcasing her latest genre-blurring album, “Brat”. The presence of iconic lime-green aesthetics alongside Charli’s electrifying energy ultimately created the perfect start to her final performance of the four-stop UK tour. 

The night kickstarted with Shygirl, who set the vibes with her opening act featuring powerful hip-hop techno beats and breathtaking vocals. Alongside her two backup dancers, she fully prepped the crowd before she left the stage, signalling Charli’s big entrance which was announced with a sea of green mist and flashing lights. 

Opening her set with “365”, she invited Shygirl back on stage, paying homage to their successful collaboration. With that, the crowd grew louder as viral songs like “Von Dutch” and “Club Classics” followed, embodying the hyper-revolutionary essence of “Brat”. Despite the highly dynamic side of the album, the singer also revealed heartfelt moments, in particular during her song “So I”. The specific song pays tribute to the late hyperpop icon SOPHIE, by whom Charli was deeply inspired. The mix of energetic and slowed-down moments kept the crowd satisfied throughout the whole night. 

Strong visuals were not missed during her performance. Her centre stage extended to a walkway that was supported by a surprise secondary, cage-like walkway beneath. With zoomed-in footage from her performing live being transmitted to the large screens on either side of the stage, every fan got the chance to connect with her as if they were in the front row. Charli shocked the audience yet again during her song “Talk Talk” by performing her captivating dance moves on an ascending stage, which she ended by sparking a cigarette and addressing her beloved fans. Very “Brat” coded if you ask me!

The show signalled its end by featuring songs from her previous albums and features such as “Vroom Vroom” and even the iconic party anthem “I Love It” by Icona Pop and Charli. However, her performance of “Track 10”, a core song from her album Pop 2, included her very own rain shower…yes…A RAIN SHOWER. The energy she exuded in that moment was felt by every fan including myself and quite honestly, is still in my mind on a daily basis. 

It was an extraordinary night filled with energy, emotion, passion and above all, a lot of fun. Her performance of “Brat” celebrated Charli as a fierce contender in the modern pop world and noted her artistic evolution. It was so much more than just a concert– it was a statement directly from her, telling us “I feel powerful, and so can you”.