Charli XCX’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) hosting debut was nothing short of iconic. The pop star not only killed her opening monologue but also delivered spot-on impressions and left us speechless with her campy performances. As both the host and musical guest, Charli showed the world why she’s a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Here’s a breakdown of the best moments from her SNL episode, from her Troye Sivan impression to her jaw-dropping performances of “360” and “Sympathy is a Knife.”
Charli XCX’s Perfect Opening Monologue
Charli opened the SNL stage in style, rocking a corseted Dilara Findikoglu dress. She immediately won the audience over with her self-aware humour, saying, “You might know me from my album Brat—but don’t worry if you don’t, there is nothing wrong with being straight.” She also explained the concept of Brat, calling it, “an attitude, it’s a vibe.” It’s clear Charli’s got an effortlessly cool persona, and this monologue proved it.
Her humour was on point, and the crowd couldn’t get enough of her self-deprecating jokes. One hilarious line: “I want to thank someone who has been there for me my entire career: Autotune.” Touché, Charli.
Hilarious Wicked Audition Skit
In one of the funniest skits of the night, Charli joined the SNL cast to play celebrities auditioning for the role of Elphaba in Wicked. This was a nod to the many famous faces who’ve tried out for the iconic role. Charli completely nailed impressions of Adele and Troye Sivan, the latter of which was particularly spot-on, even down to the outfit.
To add to the chaos, Jojo Siwa appeared singing her own version of “Popular,” while Fran Lebowitz took on the role of Madame Morrible. The scene was filled with hilarious moments, but Charli’s dead-on impressions were the highlight.
A Campy Rendition of “Hot To Go!”
In another standout skit, Charli joined the SNL cast for a campy performance of Chappell Roan’s “Hot To Go!” The song, originally a playful pop anthem about a trip to celebrate a friend’s pregnancy, quickly took a dramatic turn when the characters revealed that no one knew who the baby daddy was.
The skit was full of over-the-top humour and ridiculousness, fitting Charli’s “Brat” persona perfectly. The song, paired with the outrageous delivery, had the audience howling.
“It Girl Thanksgiving” with Julia Fox and Naomi Campbell
One of the night’s funniest skits involved an “It Girl Thanksgiving.” Imagine the chaos of a dinner hosted by Julia Fox, Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell, Cher, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. It was a bizarre (and hilarious) collision of pop culture icons. Highlights included Cher’s attempt at cooking a turkey and the Olsens bringing an odd casserole of cigarettes.
It was the kind of chaotic, star-studded skit you’d expect from SNL, but with Charli’s effortlessly cool vibe mixed in. If you’re a fan of both SNL and the absurdity of modern pop culture, this skit hit all the right notes.
Charli Being Charli in a Classic Rom-Com Skit
Who doesn’t love a good rom-com? But in typical Charli XCX fashion, she flipped the script. In a hilarious skit, Charli found herself in multiple meet-cute scenarios with some of the SNL men. However, in true Charli style, she rejected them all in the most unapologetic ways.
In one scene, after a guy bumps into her, she coldly responds, “Hey, this might be crazy, but would you ever want to….watch the f*ck where you’re going?” This was pure Charli, embracing her bratty, no-nonsense persona, which the audience adored. Someone, please cast Charli in a rom-com ASAP!
“360”: Charli XCX’s Stunning Performance
You knew Charli would bring her A-game for her live performances, and she did not disappoint. Her first performance of the night was “360,” which she performed in front of a surreal brat-green set. The outfit—mini skirt, thigh-high boots, ruffled skirt, and giant purse—was an embodiment of her Brat album aesthetic, mixing edgy and fun. The performance was full of energy, with Charli giving the audience exactly what they wanted.
For fans of Charli’s signature style and vibrant pop sound, “360” was a perfect representation of everything that makes her unique. It’s an anthem that fits perfectly with her daring and unapologetic personality.
“Sympathy is a Knife”: Charli XCX’s Raw Performance
After a brief introduction from Julia Fox, Charli hit the stage again to perform one of the standout tracks from Brat, “Sympathy is a Knife.” She nailed the performance, standing in front of a massive screen that read simply, “Party.” Charli wore a cropped t-shirt and leather briefs, adding a gritty, edgy vibe to the performance. The song choice was spot on, and she gave it her all.
If you haven’t yet listened to “Sympathy is a Knife,” the performance on SNL will make you want to dive deeper into Charli’s new album. With its intense energy and raw emotion, it was a show-stopping moment that left the audience begging for more.
Why Charli XCX is the Queen of SNL
Charli XCX’s SNL debut was a perfect blend of comedy, pop culture, and killer performances. She showed us her comedic chops, incredible impressions, and powerful stage presence—all while effortlessly being herself. From her opening monologue to her show-stopping performances of “360” and “Sympathy is a Knife,” Charli proved that she’s more than just a pop star—she’s a true multi-talented entertainer.
If you missed Charli XCX’s SNL episode, make sure to catch up on the highlights. It was a night of pure pop excellence, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
