Charli XCX turns 34 as new album 'Music, Fashion, Film' hits No.1 in Australia

British pop artist Charli XCX (Charlotte Emma Aitchison) celebrated her 34th birthday on 2 August 2026, prompting a wave of fan reactions after many younger listeners discovered her true age.

On 24 July 2026 she released her eighth studio album, Music, Fashion, Film. The record marks a stylistic shift from the club‑centric sound of her 2024 breakthrough Brat, blending soft‑rock, Y2K pop and experimental textures. The album’s visual component features collaborations with John Cale, fashion designer Marc Jacobs and filmmaker Martin Scorsese. Critics praised its self‑reflective lyrics and production, and the album debuted at No. 1 on Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart, ending Amy Shark’s streak at the top.

In a recent interview on Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Show, Charli emphasized that the project reflects personal growth and that she refuses to compromise her artistic identity for commercial hits. She also announced upcoming headline dates at the Reading & Leeds festivals in the UK and a North‑American tour slated for September.