Charli XCX Shuts Down Critics After Glastonbury Set, Calls Auto-Tune a Bold Pop Statement

Charli XCX made a powerful impression during her Glastonbury performance, delivering a high-energy, hyperpop-driven set that turned the festival grounds into a chaotic, glitchy celebration of futuristic femininity. Her show was a maximalist spectacle, filled with dazzling visuals, distorted synths, and unapologetically digital vocals that encapsulated her unique post-Y2K aesthetic. But while fans raved, some traditionalists balked—particularly at her use of auto-tune and the absence of a classic live band.

Charli XCX Fires Back At Critics And Defends Auto-Tune As Artistic Expression

Predictably, backlash followed, mostly from older critics who labeled her performance as lacking “real music” qualities. They criticized her reliance on digital instrumentation and called her set “boring,” accusing her of hiding behind auto-tune. In response, Charli took to social media with her trademark sass and wit, poking fun at the critiques without breaking a sweat. She mockingly called the backlash “boomer vibe comments” and dismissed the gatekeeping as tired and uninspired.

In a series of cheeky but pointed tweets, Charli dismantled the notion that authenticity in music equates to traditional instrumentation or unfiltered vocals. She argued that auto-tune is not a flaw—it’s a deliberate, stylistic choice. Her response wasn’t defensive, but rather an artistic flex. She leaned into her identity as a pop disruptor who thrives on subversion, showing once again that she’s more interested in pushing boundaries than pleasing purists.

Controversy And Creativity Define Charli XCX’s Vision Of Bold And Authentic Pop Music

Charli went a step further by embracing controversy as an essential part of meaningful art. She stated that the best work is often “divisive and confrontational,” a philosophy she’s lived throughout her discography—from Pop 2 to Brat. Her music isn’t meant to be universally palatable. It’s meant to stir conversation, provoke emotion, and challenge expectations. By owning her role as a polarizing figure, she reinforces her position as one of pop’s most daring innovators.

At the heart of the discourse lies a broader conversation about who holds the power to define what counts as “real” music. Charli’s Glastonbury moment highlights the persistent double standards in music criticism—where male artists are often applauded for taking creative risks, while women are more harshly judged for the same choices.

Her use of auto-tune isn’t an attempt to mask flaws, but a deliberate tool to build a distinct and futuristic sound. As pop music continues to shift and expand, artists like Charli XCX prove that digital innovation isn’t a shortcut—it’s a bold and transformative artistic choice.