Fans Speculate Taylor Swift Calls Out Charli XCX in ‘Actually Romantic’ Song

Taylor Swift’s new song “Actually Romantic” has sparked intense speculation among fans regarding its possible connection to fellow artist Charli XCX. The track features Swift cleverly transforming negative critiques into what some interpret as a veiled love letter. Notably, the lyric “Hadn’t thought of you in a long time / But you keep sending me funny valentines” adds to the intrigue, especially following a personalized Valentine’s Day card shared during an exhibition in New York City.

Taylor Swift’s Album Release

Swift’s new album was released on October 3, and fans took to social media to express their thoughts on track seven. Reactions varied widely, with some praising the lyrics. One Twitter user, @mirrorbull, commented, “The lyrics to actually romantic are crazyyy coming from Tay… oh Charli’s DONE!” Meanwhile, @easylovxr expressed concern, stating, “This is such an evil thing to do to an industry peer. We stand with Charli XCX of course.”

Charli XCX’s Past Remarks

The tension between the two artists can be traced back to Charli’s comments from a 2019 Pitchfork interview, where she compared performing for Swift’s audience to entertaining young children. Charli later clarified her statements, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to open for Swift during the Reputation Stadium Tour. “I am extremely grateful to Taylor for inviting me to open for her,” she tweeted.

Recent Controversies and Connections

In September, Charli married George Daniel, the drummer for The 1975, whose frontman, Matty Healy, was briefly linked to Swift in 2023. Following Charli’s release of “Sympathy is a Knife” in 2024, fans speculated whether certain lyrics referred to Swift, particularly the line about not wanting to see someone backstage at her boyfriend’s show.

Taylor’s Praise for Charli

Despite the speculation, Swift took the opportunity to laud Charli in a 2024 interview with New York Magazine. “I’ve been blown away by Charli’s melodic sensibilities since I first heard ‘Stay Away’ in 2011,” she said, recognizing Charli’s consistent talent and creativity.

Signature Style and Showgirl Era

Swift is launching a new artistic chapter with her album “The Life of a Showgirl.” Announced on August 13 during an episode of the “New Heights” podcast, the album showcases an extravagant aesthetic, promising upbeat tracks intended to make listeners dance. The project features collaborative work with noted producers Max Martin and Shellback.

Album Details

• Album Title: The Life of a Showgirl
• Release Date: October 3
• Key Tracks:
  • Actually Romantic
  • Cancelled!
  • The Fate of Ophelia
  • Elizabeth Taylor
  • Opalite
  • Father Figure
  • Eldest Daughter
  • Ruin the Friendship
  • Wi$h Li$T
  • Wood
  • Honey

This new era marks Swift’s first project after reclaiming her master recordings, affirming that all the music she has created now belongs to her. The excitement around “The Life of a Showgirl” reinforces her status as a dominant figure in the pop music landscape.