Charli XCX won’t perform at Brit Awards despite five nominations – as new singer is revealed

POP star Charli XCX has pulled out of performing at the Brit Awards ceremony — despite leading the nominations with five.

The 32-year-old British singer had been in advanced talks for the ceremony at South East London’s O2 Arena on March 1, but cancelled this week after months of negotiations.

Former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, 32, is now in talks to perform during the biggest night in UK music.

Charli made the U-turn to take pressure off herself, after agreeing to perform at this Sunday’s Grammy Awards in LA, where she has eight nominations.

The US ceremony has been pared back due to the California wildfires, with after-parties, including Charli’s, scaled down.

A music insider explained: “Charli’s team had been in negotiations with the Brits for months and she was set to perform on the night.

“But she’s decided it didn’t feel right and she doesn’t want the added pressure.

“She has planned a major performance at the Grammys and the thought of doing the same again at the Brits felt like it was too much.

“When it comes to the Brits, she still intends to go, but she wants to be able to let her hair down and celebrate without the pressure of getting up to sing — particularly as she won’t be able to party after the Grammys.”

Charli is expected to win big at the Grammys, where she will battle Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Billie Eilish for Record and Album of the Year.

At the Brits, she is up for Best Artist, Best Song and Album of the Year for her No 1 record Brat, as well as Best Pop Act and Best Dance Act.

She was nominated for Brits in 2015, 2020, 2023 and 2024, but never won.

Meanwhile, Jade has previously scooped three Brits with Little Mix.

This year she is nominated for Best Pop Act and Song of the Year for Angel of My Dreams, which is the hit she is expected to perform.

US stars Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan are also in advanced talks to sing at the bash, which will be televised live on ITV1.