Charli XCX addresses "boomer" criticism of autotune use after Glastonbury set

Charli XCX responds to criticism of her Glastonbury autotune set, dismissing outdated views on performance style.


Pop Culture & Art June 30, 2025
Photo: Reuters

Charli XCX has addressed the online backlash surrounding her use of autotune during her Glastonbury 2025 set.

Following her Saturday night performance on the Other Stage, some viewers criticised the artist’s vocal effects and absence of a live band, prompting widespread discussion on social media.

The British pop artist responded by rejecting the notion that using autotune diminishes artistic credibility. She stated that performance styles have evolved, and that deliberate vocal processing is a creative choice rather than a technical limitation.

Charli also commented on the ongoing debate about what defines a “real artist,” adding that reductive attitudes about live music overlook the diversity of modern performance.

Her set included tracks from her latest album Brat as well as earlier hits. Visually bold, it featured dynamic staging including a flaming “Brat” sign and coordinated on-stage effects. During the show, she gave a shout out to fellow artist Gracie Abrams who has also been performing at the festival.

Charli’s performance coincided with headline acts like Neil Young, drawing attention to the contrasts in genre and stage presentation.

She ended her set with a thank-you message displayed across stage-side signage.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ