Charli XCX Reveals Origin of Her Stage Name

Charli XCX, the British pop sensation behind hits like ‘Boom Clap‘ and ‘Vroom Vroom,’ has finally revealed the quirky origin of her stage name. The singer, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, shared the story during a red carpet interview at the 57th GRAMMY Awards in February 2015.

When asked if her stage name was inspired by her MSN Messenger username, Charli confirmed the speculation. ‘I didn’t have a manager when I decided on the name. I couldn’t think of anything, so I just used that. It’s my MSN screen name. I’m not going to change it,’ she said. MSN Messenger, a popular online chat platform from 1999 to 2013, was a staple of teenage life during the early 2000s.

The revelation has sparked curiosity among fans, many of whom have long wondered about the meaning behind ‘XCX.’ On Reddit, users have speculated wildly, with guesses ranging from ‘Charli 10 100 10’ to humorous interpretations like ‘xylophone, chimichanga, xylophone.’ Others theorized that the lowercase ‘xcx’ in her recent branding might signal a shift toward simplifying her stage name to just ‘Charli.’

Charli XCX rose to fame with her 2014 hit ‘Boom Clap,’ featured in the soundtrack of the film ‘The Fault in Our Stars.’ Her 2023 album ‘Brat‘ further cemented her status as a pop icon, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 and topping charts in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. The album’s success has fueled her reputation as a trailblazer in the music industry.

In addition to her musical achievements, Charli XCX is set to headline The Other Stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. She will be joined by fellow pop stars Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo, with rumors suggesting Stevie Wonder and Nile Rodgers will also perform. A source told The Sun, ‘Emily [Eavis, Glastonbury organizer] really wanted Glastonbury to go back to its rock roots, but by bringing in three of the world’s biggest female stars, she is making a real statement.’

As Charli XCX continues to dominate the charts and captivate audiences, her stage name remains a testament to her humble beginnings and the enduring influence of early internet culture.