Photo credit: www.billboard.com
Charli XCX delivered a vibrant performance to approximately 15,000 fans at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Saturday night, April 26, marking the 17th stop on her brat tour. This event was particularly special as her previous collaboration with Troye Sivan on the Sweat Tour did not include a visit to Minnesota.
The brat tour features a stripped-down stage presence, with Charli performing solo—no band or backup dancers to distract from her dynamic energy. The lighting was strikingly bright, mirroring the atmosphere of a post-midnight rave with a color palette dominated by black, white, red, grey, and a striking near-lime brat green. The essence of the show revolves around Charli’s magnetic presence.
Unlike the alternating set lists of the Sweat Tour, the brat tour offers an uninterrupted experience of Charli’s music—a solid hour and a half filled with relentless club beats and hyperpop vibes. The ecstatic crowd at the arena fully embraced this non-stop party.
Charli was constantly on the move, whether it was strutting through a caged walkway, dancing with a camera following her, or even humorously licking the floor. This kinetic energy translated into the audience’s engagement; it was remarkable to witness that everyone, from the front to the back of the venue, was on their feet, dancing and singing along. Even during moments like “Speed Drive,” every attendee seemed to join in, creating a unified atmosphere of joy and excitement.
Charli acknowledged the crowd’s enthusiasm several times throughout the nearly flawless concert. Here are five memorable moments from the night.
Real Talk
After performing “Club Classics,” Charli excitedly pointed out several fans dancing enthusiastically on the side-stage staircase. “I f–king love you three! You might be the craziest crowd ever,” she remarked, prompting a roaring response from the audience. “I’m not just saying that for stage talk—it’s the truth,” she added with a laugh.
Charli’s Cali Accent
Charli addressed the critics questioning her lack of dancers by adopting a laid-back Southern California twang. “Some say, ‘How boring, it’s just her up there,’” she mocked. “And I’m like, ‘Come try it then!’” This playful self-defense connected her even more with the crowd.
Hungover But Going Hard
After an energetic rendition of “Speed Drive,” Charli confessed, “I’m having so much f–king fun. We’re all a little hungover, but you’re making me feel like I’m at the party again,” emphasizing the contagious energy of the audience.
Splish Splash
During her encore, Charli used a white neon rope in an electrifying performance that eventually led her to a central stage. In a nostalgic throwback to Pop 2, a giant shower head descended, drenching her as she passionately performed “Track 10” amidst pulsing blue-red lights.
What’s In a Name?
Charli’s audience is now drawn to her material from brat, her highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, which produced multiple hits and received accolades as the best album of 2024. Yet, even a decade after its release, “I Love It”—the track she co-wrote for Icona Pop—still invigorates the crowd, making it a fitting end to her set. However, a slight mishap occurred when the screen displayed “Austin” as she ended her performance (having just played there days earlier). Charli acknowledged the gaffe, stating, “Oh, they didn’t change it,” with a rueful smile, clearly maintaining her awareness of her audience and location through the show. The crowd remained unfazed, cheering louder in response, buoyed by her assurance that they were the best audience she had encountered so far. This moment epitomized the genuine connection between Charli and her fans, leaving a memorable impression that extended beyond the performance itself.
Source
www.billboard.com