The hidden gem of the music industry today: Charli XCX

Charlotte Emma Aitchison, better known as Charli XCX, started writing music when she was 14 years old and uploaded it onto her MySpace. This is where her artist name actually originates from, as Charli XCX was her old MySpace username.

Many only know Charli from featuring on songs with other artists, but in reality she has a much bigger influence on the music industry than most people know of. Besides being a singer, she is also a songwriter and has written songs for herself and other artists for a long time. In 2012 she wrote the international hit I Love It for Icona Pop and featured on the track as well. Then came Fancy for Iggy Azalea, and in 2014 she had her first top 10 hit as a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100. This was with the song Boom Clap, which actually was written for Hilary Duff, but ended up in Charli’s hands and made it onto the soundtrack for the movie The Fault in Our Stars.

Did you know these songs were actually written by Charli XCX and given to other artists?

1. Same Old Love - Selena Gomez

This song was released in 2015 as part of the album “Revival” by Selena Gomez. The song was actually also recorded by Rihanna, who later turned it down. Both Rihanna and Charli XCX's demos of Same Old Love eventually got leaked.

2. Rare - Selena Gomez

This song was released in 2020 as part of the album “Rare” by Selena Gomez. Not only did Charli XCX’s demo leak, but a demo by Madison Beer also leaked, as the song was also intended for her at one point.

3. Senorita - Camila Cabello feat. Shawn Mendes

This song ended up in the hands of Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello and became one of the most streamed songs ever. Thank god for royalties.

4. Hurts Like Hell - Madison Beer feat. Offset

This song was given to Madison Beer, who released it as a single featuring Offset back in 2018. Charli XCX's demo leaked as well.

5. OMG - Camila Cabello feat. Quavo

This song ended up with Camila Cabello and Quavo, which was released in 2017.

6. Beg For It - Iggy Azalea feat. Mø

This song was given to Iggy Azalea and MØ.

7. When I Find Love Again - James Blunt

This James Blunt song was actually co-written by Charli XCX.

8. Boys & Girls - Wil.i.am feat. Pia Mia

Another banger by Charli XCX given to Wil.I.Am feat Pia Mia.

9. I Love It - Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX

No surprise, this “iconic pop” song (no pun intended) was written by Charli XCX and given to Icona Pop. She featured on the song though.

10. Fancy - Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX

Charli XCX is constantly putting out new music, and never fails to surprise her audience. Her journey with music has been long and far from easy, but her growth over the last couple of years truly shows how important it is to keep pushing ahead, because eventually your hard work will get recognized. These last few years have been groundbreaking years for her, going from someone somewhat unknown to one of the big boys in the industry with 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Can't wait to see what is next for her.