Charli XCX at Irving Plaza, NYC

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Charli XCX performs on stage at Irving Plaza on November 13, 2013 in New York, New York. (Photo by Gaelle Beri/Redferns via Getty Images)

Girl pop is having a moment. Between Miley owning radio and Lorde dominating the charts, young women are bringing back the authentic, fresh and most of all fun, sound inspired by 80’s pop princesses. But these girls are doing it with a rockstar attitude that is 100% modern.

Charli XCX has been at the forefront of this trend since her fantastic mixtape – written and released when she was just 15. In bedrooms all over the world, her angry love songs and danceable heartbreak anthems resonated, and eventually translated into record sales and sold out shows.

Irving Plaza is a venue on the smaller side, but the energy inside was anything but. The crowed was so young the only people at the bar were the chaperoning parents. But it was obvious this was a meaningful show, with numerous girls dressed in “Charli-style” outfits mimicking their idol.

Kitten got the crowd going by rioting on stage to a more punk-rock/pop hybrid. The lead singer seemed inspired by Courtney Love, writhing around on stage clad in sexy little-girl style outfits. The music was catchy, and the antics on stage – from grinding on the guitarist to standing on a speaker tower, got everyone ready for the main event.

Charli took the stage in all 1980’s style white leather topped with 1950’s style shimmering sunglasses. Her trademark wild hair and cat-eye make-up looked fantastic against the dark stage – and outfit made to photograph.

She began the show with fan favorite “What I Like”. Everyone began singing every word with a youthful energy bordering on worship.

Because she has just one album, everyone knew every song. The all-girl band sounded tight, and the choreography moves positioned Charli as the star. A highlight was when she brought the singer from Kitten back out, who added her wild energy to “I Want Candy” cover – bringing the 80’s girl pop homage full circle.

Charli announced her biggest hit – which she wrote for Icona Pop – with pride. “This is my first hit and I know you all know the words!” she yelled to the crowd ” I wanna here you fucking sing!”

Charli ended with her new song “Superlove,” which is a straight-up pop anthem. Her songwriting and performance were both on display, and even the parents in the crowd couldn’t help but get into the party.

Charli XCX epitomizes what’s next in pop music – real girls, writing music and being themselves while having with the ego of a rockstar. The girl pop music is here to stay, and I am happy to be along for the ride. Pick up Charli XCX’s album on iTunes, and if you get a chance, don’t miss a chance to see this nu-pop princess!

TOUR DATES
11-16 Washington, DC – U Street Music Hall !
11-18 Nashville, TN – Mercy Lounge $
11-19 Atlanta, GA – Vinyl $
11-20 Orlando, FL – The Social $
11-23 Houston, TX – Fitzgerald’s $
11-24 Austin, TX – The Parish
11-25 Dallas, TX – Club Dada
11-30 London, England – O2 Academy Islington

! with Kitten & LIZ
$ with Kitten & TWIN iDol

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