Charli XCX has ignited a wave of conversation online after wearing a sash reading “Miss Should Be Headliner” during her Coachella 2025 set, prompting a split in opinion — especially among Green Day fans. The pop provocateur, known for her fearless fashion and genre-pushing sound, made the statement as she took the stage in one of the festival’s most talked-about moments so far.

The sash, emblazoned with glittering letters, was a cheeky yet pointed comment that quickly went viral across social media. Many fans interpreted it as a playful nod to her growing influence and the question of why Charli, with her critically acclaimed back catalogue and forward-thinking approach to pop, wasn’t featured as a Coachella headliner herself.

But not everyone saw the humour. Some Green Day supporters took offence, viewing the sash as a dig at the legendary punk-rock band, who are among the festival’s 2025 headliners. While Charli XCX didn’t name anyone directly, the timing of the statement — made during one of the most high-profile music events in the world — fuelled speculation and stirred debate across music forums and social platforms.

Still, for many Charli XCX fans, the message struck a chord. The British singer-songwriter has spent over a decade building one of pop’s most innovative careers, blending underground sounds with mainstream appeal. From early hits like Boom Clap to recent critically acclaimed albums and viral TikTok anthems, she’s become a voice for a new era of pop music — one that thrives on experimentation and self-expression.

Charli has long challenged traditional industry norms, often questioning how pop artists — particularly women — are positioned in line-ups and press coverage compared to their male counterparts. Her Coachella sash wasn’t just a fashion choice; it was a statement on visibility, recognition, and the ongoing conversation about who gets top billing in the music world.

Despite the online backlash from some quarters, others saw the moment as classic Charli: bold, ironic, and rooted in the performance art aspect of her persona. “Miss Should Be Headliner” quickly became a trending phrase, with fans sharing their own edits and memes, and even starting petitions to see her headline future festivals.

Interestingly, Green Day themselves have remained silent on the matter, choosing not to comment publicly on the viral moment. The band, with their massive fanbase and legacy status, likely recognise that their place at the top of the bill doesn’t have to be defended. Still, the stir caused by Charli’s gesture has shone a light on how modern music festivals are constantly renegotiating what headline status really means in 2025.

Many have pointed out that Charli XCX’s set was one of the most energetic and innovative of the weekend, featuring a mix of club bangers, underground fan favourites, and new material expected to appear on her forthcoming album. With elaborate visuals, choreography, and a crowd hanging on every beat, her performance easily rivalled that of any main stage headliner.

The debate has also highlighted a growing shift in festival culture. As line-ups become more diverse and genre boundaries blur, the question of who “deserves” to headline becomes more subjective. Charli XCX, with her unique career path and fiercely loyal fanbase, is emblematic of a new kind of headliner — one not defined by legacy alone, but by cultural impact and creative vision.

Whether or not the sash was aimed at Coachella’s booking choices or simply a tongue-in-cheek nod to her growing star power, Charli XCX has once again proven she knows exactly how to make a statement. If nothing else, the bold move has sparked the kind of conversation that keeps her name firmly in the spotlight — and has fans already dreaming of a future festival where “Miss Should Be Headliner” becomes a well-earned reality.