Charli xcx explains why she will never use her real name, Charlotte Emma Aitchison, as her screen identity

Charli xcx recently disclosed that she will maintain her stage name, Charli xcx, for her acting career and will not use her birth name, Charlotte Emma Aitchison, on screen. In an interview with British Vogue on April 16, 2026, the singer discussed her foray into the world of acting and how she plans to balance her acting career with music.

Despite being a prominent figure in the music industry with her pop and electronic hits, Charli xcx is now venturing into acting with various upcoming film projects, including I Want Your Sex, The Moment, Erupcja, and a remake of the 1978 horror movie Faces of Death. She emphasized that her identity as Charli xcx will remain unchanged as she steps into this new creative realm.

In the interview, she mentioned deliberating over the idea of using her legal name in acting roles but ultimately decided against it. She expressed initial uncertainty about the concept but decisively rejected the use of “Charlotte” as her screen identity, highlighting a clear distinction between her music persona and her budding acting career.

Charli xcx also opened up about the emotional challenges she faced while transitioning into acting, admitting to feeling unsure and questioning her abilities at the onset of filming projects. However, she found working with experienced directors and actors to be artistically fulfilling, pushing her to hone her skills further.

Beyond her acting endeavors, Charli xcx is currently working on her eighth studio album following the success of her seventh album, Brat. She indicated a shift in her musical direction towards a more rock-influenced sound, moving away from her dance-driven style. Describing the upcoming project as introspective and reflective, she continues to evolve artistically.

Known for her ability to reinvent herself throughout her career, Charli xcx’s transition into acting adds another layer to her multifaceted artistic identity. Her steadfast decision not to adopt her legal name on screen reinforces the unique brand she has cultivated over her decade-long tenure in the entertainment industry.

As she navigates the worlds of music and film simultaneously, Charli xcx’s upcoming projects are poised to solidify her position as a versatile artist bridging multiple disciplines with grace and creativity.