In a highly anticipated moment that electrified the Los Angeles music scene, pop superstar Lorde brought out fellow artist Charli XCX for a surprise performance of their collaborative remix of “Girl, So Confusing” during her Ultrasound World Tour stop at the Kia Forum on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The unexpected appearance sent ripples of excitement through the sold-out arena, marking a significant live debut for the popular remix.
A Tease and a Revelation
The surprise began with a subtle clue from Lorde herself. As the show progressed at the 18,000-capacity venue, Lorde playfully revealed the word “GIRL” written on her palm, a hint that sent the audience into a frenzy of speculation. As the familiar intro of “Girl, So Confusing” began to play, visuals of Charli XCX flashed across the main stage screens, signaling that a special guest was imminent. Charli XCX then emerged from the general audience floor, making her way through the captivated crowd to a b-stage positioned in the center of the arena, where Lorde was already performing.
The “Girl, So Confusing” Collaboration
The “Girl, So Confusing” remix, which first dropped in June 2024, stems from an intriguing origin story. Charli XCX revealed that elements of the original song were inspired by her perceptions of Lorde, including a sense of jealousy over Lorde’s early success with “Royals” and the frequent comparisons made between the two artists. The lyrics, such as “People say we’re alike / They say we’ve got the same hair / We talk about making music / But I don’t know if it’s honest,” delve into the complex dynamics of female relationships and public perception.
Charli XCX later shared that the remix featuring Lorde was not entirely pre-planned but came about organically. She sent Lorde a voice note, to which Lorde responded with enthusiasm and offered to contribute to a version of the song. Lorde described the collaboration as “such a huge honour” and noted its “brat”-like, meta, and modern quality.
A Landmark Performance in Los Angeles
This surprise duet at the Kia Forum was a standout moment of the Ultrasound World Tour, highlighting the chemistry between the two artists. Fans lauded the performance, with one fan calling it “pop history” and another suggesting it was “more iconic than the entire Eras tour”. The performance, which saw both artists sharing an energetic and emotional moment, dancing together and trading lines, was a powerful culmination of their artistic dialogue and public reconciliation.
This event in los angeles adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative of strong female collaborations in the music industry, making it a trending topic among music news outlets and fans alike. The tour continues, with fans speculating about further surprise guest appearances at upcoming shows.
The Ultrasound World Tour Context
The Ultrasound World Tour, in support of Lorde’s latest album “Virgin,” commenced in September 2025 and is scheduled to run through February 2026. The tour showcases Lorde’s extensive discography, blending hits from her previous albums with new material from “Virgin”. The Los Angeles stop was a pivotal point in the tour, emphasizing the evolving relationship and artistic synergy between Lorde and Charli XCX, a partnership that has captivated audiences and critics alike.
