Charli XCX, aka the pop queen who can write a banger and a breakup anthem in the same breath, made her Saturday Night Live hosting debut on November 16. Not only did she crush it as the night’s host, but she also doubled up as the musical guest—because why be good at one thing when you can just be iconic at everything?
In her opening monologue, the 32-year-old “Apple” singer (yes, the song that might’ve made you consider throwing your phone out of sheer dance joy) decided to educate the audience on a very important subject: what it means to be a brat. Spoiler alert: it’s not just whining for dessert before dinner.
Charli’s “Brat” Breakdown
“So, I dropped an album called Brat,” Charli began, immediately acknowledging that some people in the audience might be Googling her as she spoke. “And that’s fine! Not everyone can keep up with me; I release music faster than Taylor Swift re-records albums.”
She clarified that brat isn’t a personality disorder—it’s an attitude. A vibe. A je ne sais quoi with a side of “deal with it.”
“For instance,” Charli said, “in the new Martha Stewart documentary, there’s this part where Martha gets mad about an old magazine article and casually says she’s glad the journalist who wrote it is dead. That is brat. And then—wait for it—that same journalist responds, saying, ‘Hey, I’m alive, bitch.’ Now that is peak brat.”
Audience: Screaming laughter. Internet: Updating Urban Dictionary.
Vulnerability, But Make It Bratty
Charli also got real for a moment, explaining that brat energy is rooted in vulnerability. “It’s about owning your flaws, your drama, and your chaos,” she said. “Which is why standing here right now, on this iconic stage, in front of all of you—while wearing heels that could double as weapons—is truly a bratty dream come true.”
Party Girl Charli, Up Before 11 PM? Groundbreaking.
Known for her “life is a nonstop concert” energy, Charli didn’t let the audience forget her wild child reputation. “I’m usually just getting ready to hit the club at this time on a Saturday,” she quipped, “but tonight, I’m here—showered, caffeinated, and pretending I know what an ‘8 PM call time’ is—all for you.”
Charli XCX, everyone: the ultimate brat and your new life coach.
Charli xcx’s monologue! pic.twitter.com/X8mAGkJVlN
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) November 17, 2024