Charli XCX Cringes Watching Her Old Reading & Leeds Sets Ahead Of Headline Debut

Charli XCX is gearing up for a massive festival milestone, but taking a walk down memory lane wasn't entirely smooth sailing. Ahead of taking the main stage at Reading & Leeds, the pop powerhouse sat down with BBC Radio 1 to watch back her previous appearances at the legendary UK event — and her reaction was brutally honest. While reviewing a recording from her 2017 set, where she performed her hit single "Boys," the singer admitted that watching her younger self was a bit uncomfortable. She confessed that the throwback footage was cringing her out, though she was also shocked by a detail she had totally wiped from her memory: she used to perform alongside a full live band.

Charli XCX Reading and Leeds past performances Despite cringing at the video, Charli recalled feeling like she was putting on a super cool concert at the time. The retrospective feature didn't stop in 2017, either. The BBC Radio 1 interview also forced her to rewatch her 2019 appearance at the festival, where she ripped through a high-energy rendition of her smash hit "I Love It." Looking back at that specific performance, the singer instantly remembered the brutal climate she was working under. She pointed out just how insanely hot the weather was during that afternoon, remembering the stifling heat on stage as she delivered her set.

BUZZBEAT

Charli XCX BBC Radio 1 interview The nostalgic look back comes at a huge moment for the chart-topping artist. She is making her grand return to the dual-city festival for the first time since 2022, but this time she is taking on full headliner duties. With a North American arena trek alongside Underscores scheduled for September, Charli's high-profile festival slot marks a major victory lap. From gigging with a live band back in 2017 to now topping the marquee, she has completely transformed her live show — even if her early festival memories still make her wince.