English pop star Charli XCX is by all accounts a top-notch songwriter for our time, but she is known for exciting live shows as well. Lights, outfits, swagger; she's got it all. When downsizing to the small stage on the popular sketch-comedy show Saturday Night Live, every artist has to make concessions and scale things down. Keeping that in mind, Charli XCX's simple yet effective performance on March 5, 2022, was a very successful example of a stripped-down pop concert in action.
On her first song of the night, Charli XCX put the focus entirely onto herself, and she truly delivered at that. With a powerful voice and stage presence that any other pop star would die for, Charli XCX commands from the front of the stage with only two electronic musicians supporting her. For the type of show where the performer needs to turn the heads of the average casual viewer, Charli XCX has had almost no equal from the past SNL shows this season.
If her outfit and the visual element to her show kept your attention in 'Beg For You,' then 'Baby' is not one to miss either. Charli XCX's second song for the show amps up the performance in every aspect, adding more musicians, dancers, and eye-grabbing light design. The completed one-two punch of both songs demonstrates exactly how SNL performers should organize their shows for maximum impact.
Some SNL acts this year also made headlines, like the stripped-down Kacey Musgraves performance and the emotionally captivating debut of Brandi Carlile. On the other hand, singers Young Thug and Ed Sheeran have either done too much or too little with their SNL time. Thankfully, Charli XCX's intelligent show design should restore viewers' faith in the format. You can watch the whole Episode 14 of Season 47 on Hulu today!