The Life of a Showgirl Release: All About Taylor Swift and Charli XCX’s Alleged Feud, Including Actually Romantic Diss

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What happened between Taylor Swift and Charli XCX? These two popular singers were once close friends, often seen together at events and in photos. However, things seem to have changed, and there’s now talk of a falling out, potentially linked to their relationships-both current and past. Taylor’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, has only fueled the speculation, with many listeners drawing parallels to their personal lives. Let’s take a closer look at the details of this supposed feud.

iHeart Catch Up – 2014
The earliest publicly known meeting between the two celebrities happened in December 2014. They were photographed together at the iHeart Radio Jingle Ball concert in New York City. They seemed interested in each other and shared a friendly photo, not knowing what their connection would become.

Cover Girl – 2015
Charli XCX performed a cover of Taylor Swift’s popular song “Shake It Off” for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, and it quickly became popular with fans of both artists.

Special Appearance – 2015
Several months afterward, the well-loved 1989 world tour received a visit from Charli XCX when the tour reached Toronto, Canada. They danced together and performed her song, “Boom Clap”.

Tour Buddies – 2018
Shortly after becoming friends, their relationship evolved into a professional one. In March 2018, Taylor Swift revealed that Camila Cabello and Charli XCX would be joining her as opening acts on the Reputation Stadium Tour.

Sparks Fly- But Not The Ones You Think – 2019
A video clip from an August interview resurfaced online, showing Charli XCX discussing a past tour. She stated, “I’m really grateful she invited me on the tour, but performing felt like I was entertaining very young children.”

In a Pitchfork interview, she also stated she wouldn’t be doing any more opening act performances, explaining, “I’ve done so much of it, and it really solidified my image as an underdog, which I embrace now. But I really need to take control of my own career.” This didn’t go over well with fans-known as Swifties-who thought she didn’t appreciate the chances she’d been given.

The Apology – 2019
Right after the interview became public, Charli XCX used her X account (formerly Twitter) to explain that her comments had been misinterpreted. She stressed that there was only positivity and affection between her and the other artist. She complimented the more established singer, saying, “I am extremely grateful to Taylor [Swift] for asking me to be an opening act. She is a major artist of our time and the Reputation Tour was a historically significant event.” She also expressed her appreciation for the opportunity, describing performing for Taylor’s fans as enjoyable.

The Cleanup – 2019
In a separate interview on Sunday Brunch, Charli XCX spoke highly of Taylor Swift, describing her as the leader of their group of female artists. She said, “She’s an incredible businesswoman and she’s really kind. She makes us feel, like, so welcome. It feels like a girl gang on tour together, it’s really good.”

The Short-Lived Relationship – 2023
As a lifestyle observer, I remember January 2023 vividly! Taylor Swift surprised everyone with a performance at The 1975’s London O2 Arena show, covering their song ‘The City’. It was also where she first performed ‘Anti-Hero’ live, and many believe this concert marked the beginning of her romance with Matty Healy. Interestingly, another show, this time at Manchester’s AO Arena, saw Charli XCX as their guest. It was definitely a moment in pop culture!

The lead singer of the band and Miss Swift quickly connected and started dating, though the relationship didn’t last very long. This is reportedly what sparked her conflict with the other, younger star.

The New Fiancée – 2024
Gabbriette Bechtel and Charli XCX both appeared in the 360 music video, with Bechtel as the lead and Charli XCX in a featured role. Shortly after, the model became engaged to a member of the band The 1975.

First Diss – 2024
On her well-known album, BRAT, the song “Sympathy Is a Knife” gained a lot of attention because its lyrics appeared to hint at a difficult relationship. Lines like “I couldn’t even be her if I tried” and, “This one girl taps my insecurities, Don’t know if it’s real or if I’m spiraling” sparked discussion.

Someone else mentioned that they used to date two members of The 1975 simultaneously – Charli XCX and George Daniel (who she later married) – around the time Taylor Swift was seeing Matty Healy.

Exchanging Compliments – 2024
The British singer discussed a claim made by New York Magazine about a possible dig at her American peer. She explained that the song in question was actually about her own internal struggles. “That song is about me and my feelings and my anxiety and the way my brain creates narratives and stories in my head when I feel insecure and how I don’t want to be in those situations physically when I feel self-doubt.”

Taylor Swift quickly responded with enthusiastic praise and congratulations, saying, “I was incredibly impressed with Charli’s talent for creating melodies ever since I first heard ‘Stay Away’ back in 2011.”

The Life of a Showgirl – 2025
After many months, the 35-year-old artist released her 12th studio album, including a song rumored to be about a complicated relationship. This relationship began with the two singers touring together, then evolved into them dating members of the same band, and finally became a situation where the public seemed to be creating rivalry between them, despite their both being successful.

Thought to be written as a reaction to Charli XCX’s Everything Is Romantic, “Actually Romantic” includes the lines, “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave, High-fived my ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me, Wrote a whole song saying it makes you sick to see my face, Some people might be offended, But it’s actually sweet, All the time you’ve spent on me.”

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2025-10-03 15:53