Highlights:
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Charlie XCX outlines the ongoing sexism in the music industry
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She explains how female pop stars face constant judgment
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Her note highlights how public perception shapes narratives
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She discusses the pressure of being watched and critiqued
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Charlie XCX describes the demanding and unseen side of touring and fame
Charlie XCX has shared a detailed account of the gendered scrutiny and routine pressures that female pop stars continue to face. In a new Substack post, she explains how online commentary, public expectations, and industry narratives often shape how women in music are perceived. Her note describes how actions taken by women in the pop industry are frequently reframed in negative or distorted ways.
According to Charlie XCX, female artists are often categorized based on labels imposed by audiences and the media. She writes that in pop music, certain traits are regularly turned into criticisms. She says that no matter the intention, the interpretation tends to shift. As she explains, sexy becomes “whore,” rebellious becomes “drug addict,” and smart becomes “pretentious.” Her account underscores how these judgments continue to affect women in the public eye.
Charlie XCX also expands on how fame involves far more than what is seen on stage or in music videos. While public attention is often focused on performances, styling, or events, she says the day-to-day reality looks different. Her message highlights that fame includes long waiting periods, unpredictable travel schedules, and ongoing pressure to manage public reactions.
How Charlie XCX describes the impact of public perception
Charlie XCX notes that while artists and teams invest heavily in strategy and marketing, public opinion ultimately defines how a pop star is viewed. She states that audiences and commentators construct the image people associate with a performer. As she writes, “Sometimes people don’t like to be lumped in with general consensus, they like to go against the grain.”
Her explanation touches on how gender plays a central role in these judgments. She points out that women are often placed into specific categories and are criticized quickly when they step outside expected boundaries. Charlie XCX connects these reactions to broader patterns in society. She writes, “The patriarchal society we live in has brainwashed everyone. We are trained to hate women if they step out of the box.”
This perspective, she emphasizes, is not only about the music industry but about cultural expectations overall.
Charlie XCX on the hidden realities of touring and work behind the scenes
Beyond commentary and online reactions, Charlie XCX explains the lesser-known aspects of working in pop music. She describes the “weird, in-between” periods that make up a large part of an artist’s life. These include extended hours in airports, greenrooms, transit routes, or holding areas before shoots or performances. She notes that these moments often outweigh the high-profile events seen by fans.
Charlie XCX recalls a specific example involving an actress who traveled directly from a show in Paris to London for a shoot. With little rest, the actress was only on set for an hour before having to move on again. Charlie XCX uses this incident to illustrate the constant movement and fatigue that shape much of life behind the spotlight.
Her account presents a contrast between public perception and personal experience. While tours and performances may appear glamorous, she says the routine can be tiring and demanding, with little downtime.
What Charlie XCX says this means for women in pop music
In her essay, Charlie XCX writes that criticism of female pop stars often includes an expectation that women in the public eye must follow certain moral or behavioral standards. She argues that these expectations do not align with the realities of creative work. She adds that being a pop star does not come with a fixed set of rules.
Charlie XCX emphasizes that she wants to make music and perform in a way that feels authentic. She notes that audiences see the outward elements — costumes, lighting, performances, and fan energy — but not the long flights, delays, and constant observation behind the scenes. According to Charlie XCX, this continuous scrutiny can be exhausting.
Her message reflects the broader challenges facing women in entertainment, where public commentary, gendered assumptions, and demanding schedules continue to shape their experiences.
