Charli XCX & Troye Sivan Bring Out Surprise Guests Lorde & Addison Rae As Sweat Tour Drenches NYC

Their joint tour reached Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Troye Sivan and Charli XCX made their entrance at the Magnum "Wherever Pleasure Takes You" celebration held at Magnum Beach on May 16, 2024, in Cannes, France. Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images.

Anyone who missed Charli XCX and Troye Sivan's concert on Monday night (September 23) at Madison Square Garden in New York is probably feeling pretty envious right now. Not only did surprise guest Addison Rae join the duo for a performance of her popular viral song "Diet Pepsi," but Lorde also made a stunning appearance to perform the live debut of the Internet-breaking remix "girl, so confusing."

Although the New Zealand artist had been at Charli XCX’s concert in Brooklyn back in June, Monday night was the first occasion they collaborated on stage for their chart-topping song together. This memorable event resonated throughout Madison Square Garden, with a rush of noise from ecstatic fans flooding in the instant it was evident that Lorde had made her entrance from below the stage to join in on the remix duet.

If the studio version of “girl, so confusing” feels like a sincere gesture, albeit a bit shaky, the live show at MSG gave the impression that the bond between the two artists was genuinely strengthening. Charli, who had previously commanded attention like a fierce animal, showed restraint while Lorde shared her introspective lines. However, by the time they reached the lyric “you walk like a bitch,” they were both confidently walking together towards the back of the stage, exuding the kind of poise and energy typically seen on the runway during Fashion Week.

Addison Rae, the TikTok sensation who has transitioned into a pop singer with her viral track “Diet Pepsi,” received an enthusiastic welcome when she made an unexpected appearance to perform the catchy song. To make the moment even more special, Charli and Troye lent their voices to join her (Troye’s vocals were particularly fitting for the upbeat tune). But they weren’t the only surprise appearances: while performing “Apple,” Charli panned the camera to the audience, highlighting Kelley Heyer – the mastermind behind the trending “Apple” dance on TikTok – who was right in the front, ready to show off her iconic moves in a skirt featuring a brat brand.

Those unforgettable moments were perfect for sharing on social media, but even without any special guests, the Sweat Tour should serve as an example for other pop artists. Instead of each artist performing their set one after the other, Sivan and XCX switched places every three to four songs, creating a fluid and exciting two-hour experience of energetic, dance-inducing pop music. It had an atmosphere more reminiscent of a Bushwick gay bar or a U.K. rave rather than Midtown Manhattan. This isn’t too surprising considering Charli’s background, but it’s still impressive to transform an arena known for Billy Joel shows and Knicks games into a vibrant queer celebration.

Much of the recognition for the Sweat Tour’s bold and inspiring celebration of queerness belongs to Sivan. As soon as he stepped onto the stage, it was evident that the Australian singer-songwriter has mastered the ideal balance between his melodic vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and upbeat rhythms that are just right for a lively celebration.

Starting off the night with “Got Me Started” from Billboard's third-best album of 2023, *Something to Give Each Other*, Sivan created an engaging atmosphere, particularly as he knelt down towards the end of the song, delivering the final lyrics while a muscular backup dancer teasingly held the microphone close to his lower body. This moment definitely evoked memories of Madonna, and it wasn’t the only instance where Sivan took inspiration from pop legends. His choreography in “My My My” had an *NSYNC vibe, and he even incorporated some line dancing reminiscent of Shania Twain during the encore. However, even while honoring these past pop stars, Sivan’s performance was distinct and unique, which is impressive considering Charli's setlist was focused on her summer-renowned brat album.

As the evening drew to a close, Sivan and XCX performed together on both "1999" and their remix of "talk talk." The latter track is undeniably a hit, and it's amusing to see them playfully seductive as they deliver the risqué lyrics. However, "1999" truly captured the night’s emotional essence. Positioned on a raised platform above the MSG audience, Troye and Charli exchanged verses on this nostalgic anthem, feeding off each other's vibrant energy in a relaxed and friendly manner. Both artists have made a significant impact on pop music over the past decade, and it’s a treat to witness them sharing the stage during this co-headlining tour, both at their unique (and energetic) artistic highs.

Receive weekly summaries directly in your email inbox.