Charlie XCX Triumphs at the Brit Awards 2025
Last night, Charlie XCX won the Brit Awards 2025 Award, bringing home five awards and expressing gratitude towards the artists who inspired her vision of “Brat,” including her late friend, Sophie.
The Cultural Impact of “Brat”
The singer of “360” entered the ceremony on March 1 as the most nominated artist this year, following the cultural phenomenon that defined summer 2025 with her album “Brat.” This album has been hailed as the album of the year by NME.
“Brat,” as a cultural sensation, was described as a spectacle to behold,” wrote NME. “But as an album, it features exceptional recordings that redefine music marketing.”
Along with winning the coveted “Album of the Year” award, she also claimed titles for Artist of the Year and Best Dance Act. She was previously recognized as the laureate of the Song of the Year Prize for her collaboration with Billie Eilish on “Guessing,” totaling her awards to five.
Upon accepting the award for Best Song, she expressed her delight to the crowd at the London O2 Arena, saying: “I am really happy that a song about underwear now has a Brit; it means so much to me. I believe this says something about songwriting, though I’m not entirely sure what.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDI04EVFFAG
While accepting the award for Best Dance Act, she acknowledged those who influenced her: “Shout-outs to Justice, Daft Punk, Sebastian, Hani Djon, Robin, Arch, MIA, Audocer, Afess Twin, and of course, someone without whom none of us would be here today, Sophie.”
She also elaborated on the personal significance of the dance genre, stating: “I feel like dance music, electronic music, often gets dismissed as not being deep. But for me, it is euphoric. It allows me to escape and feel deeply. Maybe it’s not the same for everyone, but it is for me.”
A Tribute to Sophie
In 2021, the DJ and producer tragically passed away from a sudden accident in Athens, to which XCX remarked: “I personally remember Sophie during my moments of grief, through my memories, and through my work.”
The track “Showed,” dedicated to Sophie, is featured on the album. Charlie mentioned to NME: “It might not be straightforward as a tribute, but there’s a song on the record that explores my relationship with Sophie.”
“This song deals with grief and is very real. The lyrics reflect genuine conversations I’d have with friends, and the voice on this record is very conversational and honest.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ua-yxq7ru0
Charlie and Sophie collaborated on numerous projects starting in 2015 with the EP “Vroom Vroom.” They continued their partnership with singles like “After the Party,” “No Angel,” and “Girls Night Out,” along with other tracks like “Roll with Me,” “GIPGLOSS,” and songs from the “Pop 2” project.
Reflecting on her unwavering vision for “Brat” and the recognition it received, she remarked that it felt significant to gain acknowledgment for this work after not being nominated for anything last year. “I often felt like an outsider, especially within the British music industry. So it’s incredibly gratifying to be recognized for this album without compromising my vision.”
“Brat” is set for another round of summer performances in 2025. Besides Primavera, Charlie has been confirmed as the first headliner for Parklife next year and will also feature at the London Lido festival for a live performance.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/charli-xcx-sweeps-2025-brit-awards-pays-homage-to-late-collaborator-sophie-someone-who-none-of-us-would-be-here-without-3842677?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=charli-xcx-sweeps-2025-brit-awards-pays-homage-to-late-collaborator-sophie-someone-who-none-of-us-would-be-here-without
