Last week, UK website Pop Justice published a very candid interview with breakout pop star Charli XCX.
Newsworthy from start-to-finish, little from the piece–behind its reiteration of the fact that the singer-songwriter’s explosive hit “Boom Clap” was originally offered to Hilary Duff–garnered additional media attention.
That changed Tuesday when music website Idolator published the “Superlove” singer’s comment about rejecting the opportunity to collaborate with pop icon Christina Aguilera.
“Like I was offered a feature on a Christina Aguilera song and I turned it down,” said the 21-year-old of the opportunity. “It just wasn’t right. She’s cool, but it just wasn’t right.”
While Idolator’s recap was faithful to the context of the comment, the article closed with an editorialized warning about feuding with Xtina.
“Charli needs to watch herself. The curse of Xtina is all too real. Just ask The Wanted and Lady Gaga, who beefed with the ‘Say Something’ diva before their chart fortunes went south,” wrote author Mike Wass.
Very likely offered in jest, the comment nonetheless opened the door for readers, social media users and other journalists to discuss tension between Charli XCX and Christina Aguilera.
Aiming to nip the potential firestorm in the bud, Charli XCX Tweeted, “uggghh no ‘beef’. [Christina Aguilera’s] Stripped is one of my favourite albums of all time” in response to Idolator’s piece.
Recognizing that its interview was at the center of the discussion, Pop Justice Tweeted, “We should really be saying thanks to @xtina for making us all a fighter.” Charli XCX concurred: “omg so true.”
She then reiterated, “just wanna clarify that “stripped” is one of my favourite albums ever…….”
Likely put to bed in the wake of Charli XCX’s Tweet, the situation nonetheless calls to mind that of Lorde, who was accused of dissing Nicki Minaj despite her history of praising the “Superbass” singer.