Charli XCX has spoken about her struggle with fame, admitting she finds it difficult to talk about her feelings in case fans think she is ungrateful.
The 27-year-old says she find it hard to “live up to people’s expectations”, saying being famous has made her feel insecure.
She added that her self-titled album Charli — due for release next month — is her most “emotional” yet.
The Cambridge-born artist told Insider: “I know that everyone says this about their albums but this is the most personal body of work I have ever released. I open up. It is emotional and it shows my vulnerability. I explore my mental state, my insecurities, my social anxiety.
“There is an expectation people have of you when you are a pop star. I struggle to keep up with people’s expectations and feel like I have to be happy all of the time.” The singer added: “I am so grateful to be here and to have this life but sometimes I find it difficult. I don’t want people to think I am ungrateful, so I’ve found it hard to talk about.”
Charli XCX ruffled feathers earlier this week when she compared supporting Taylor Swift on tour to “waving at five-year-olds”, leading to a barrage of criticism from fans of the American megastar.
Yesterday she sought to dampen the row, saying her words had been taken out of context and insisting: “There is no shade, only love here.”
Her third album features a number of collaborations with artists including Christine and the Queens, Lizzo and Haim.
She said: “Collaboration has been a huge part of the work I have been doing for a while. [The album] would be nothing without them.”
The singer was speaking ahead of her appearance at Reading and Leeds festivals from August 23 to 25.
