Charli XCX’s new studio clip spark buzz over Taylor Swift rivalry

Charli XCX is wasting no time getting back in the studio, and fans believe she might be preparing a response to Taylor Swift’s latest lyrical jab.

The 33-year-old British pop star is reportedly “deep” into recording the follow-up to her hit album Brat, just as talk of her rumoured feud with Taylor reaches new heights.

The Bad Blood singer appeared to take aim at the London-born artist on her new track Actually Romantic from The Life of a Showgirl, which many listeners think echoes Charli’s Brat anthem Everything is Romantic. 

The 35-year-old Grammy-winning artist's sharp lyric, “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave,” has fuelled fan theories that she’s referencing the 360 hitmaker, who is married to The 1975’s drummer, George Daniel.

The Midnights creator famously dated the band’s frontman, Matty Healy, and Charli’s previous song Sympathy is a Knife was widely seen as a dig at their relationship, featuring the line: “Don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show / Fingers crossed behind my back / I hope they break up quick.”

Now, with the Vroom Vroom artist teasing behind-the-scenes clips from the studio, fans suspect a fiery clapback may be on the way. 

Producer Finn Keane told MusicNews.com: “We’re kinda deep in it now, and I think it’s gonna be really amazing. It feels really different and fresh.”

However, confusion remains over what exactly Charli is working on, a diss track or her upcoming soundtrack for the Wuthering Heights film starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

When did Taylor Swift record 'Life of a Showgirl'?

The Life of a Showgirl is the twelfth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on October 3, 2025, via Republic Records. 

Swift crafted the record during the European leg of her Eras Tour in 2024, drawing creative inspiration from her experiences and reflections as a performer.

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