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.

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.