Charli XCX Debuts Song Dedicated to Late Producer Sophie, Karol G Is Woman of the Year and More From Billboard’s Women in Music Awards
Thania Garcia Before Charli XCX took the stage at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards on March 6, the Grammy-nominated singer prefaced that her heart was beating “really, really fast.” Performing an unreleased song called “So I,” presumably a track for her new album “Brat,” Charli said: “This song is about someone really, really special to me who is no longer with us,” and launched into singing a song that references her late collaborator Sophie’s 2017 track “It’s Okay To Cry,” with the lyrics revealing Charli’s grief: “You would say ‘C’mon stay for dinner’ / I’d say ‘No, I’m fine (Now I really wish I stayed).'” Sophie died at the age of 34 in 2021 after she accidentally slipped and fell. Charli and Sophie worked together on various songs, including Charli’s “Vroom Vroom.” Sophie was best known for her solo work, specifically her 2018 album, “Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides.” After completing her performance, Charli accepted the award for Powerhouse of the Year, and told the audience — which ranged from industry champions, including Executive of the Year Michelle Jubelirer, to stars including Katy Perry, Ice Spice and more — that she was incredibly nervous to perform since she proudly and openly uses autotune.