Every summer there are certain musical figures that send the world of popular culture into a frenzy. This summer, there were multiple female pop artists that rose to stardom: Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter. These artists did not just provide catchy songs for the hot months, but started movements within their music that were
heavily followed by the youth worldwide.

This type of movement is displayed in Charli XCX’s music. Her impact on pop music has been significant for a decade, even if she is just now getting recognition for it. She has already had hits like “Boom Clap” and “Fancy”, but she has officially reached an extreme level of star power. Her latest album, “Brat”, released in June and debuted at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is the highest Charli has ever charted, and the album’s success is much due to Tiktok and the “Brat” lifestyle trend. The term “Brat Summer” soon became wildly popular. Sophomore Eden Bass says this new trend is what helped push Charli XCX to A-list fame.

“Even though Charli XCX has been around for years, her album becoming a symbol of summer really helped her take off in a new way,” Bass said. “Having this movement that has gained virality will really help others connect with her music and understand what she is all about as an artist. It is the little trends associated with her that will really make people think more about her true artistry.”

Another female artist with a gradual rise to fame is Chappell Roan. Her avant-garde approach to pop music caught audiences attention this summer. Her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” released in 2023, and became the soundtrack of the summer. Without being named a headliner, her set at the Lollapalooza music festival churned out the biggest crowd at the event. Her peculiar outfits and energetic pop music have captivated her audiences. Senior Harper Gray believes that her confident attitude is the reason teenagers resonate with Chappell Roan.

“I think she is an icon,” Gray said. “She really shows what Gen-Z is all about. I love how much of an open book she is. She is comfortable with her identity and I think that is what we need in the music industry. She does not care what others think. She just wants to make music and express who she really is.”

The most commercially successful artist to achieve notoriety this summer is Sabrina Carpenter, who has been on a steady rise for years. Opening for Taylor Swift’s eras tour catapulted her to stardom, and she has already earned two number one singles with “Espresso” and “Please Please Please”. She is atop streaming services and her radio presence is unavoidable. Gray believes that her fame has been a long time coming.

“She is the ultimate slow burn artist,” Gray said. “It has felt like she has always been on the rise and is now finally having her moment. I love that she is never leaves things up to interpretation in her music. She is open and honest with her feelings, and I feel like we need that more in pop music.”

This new wave of pop music signifies a younger generation’s embrace of originality. Authentic artistry has made a comeback, and being true to yourself as a musician has finally become a rewarding endeavor. Bass believes these figures are just what pop culture needs.

“I think my generation has kind of been searching for a new artist to fill the void in pop music recently,” Bass said. “These new movements have been great for the summer, since it brings an interactive aspect to the music. Social media and Gen-Z have really helped female artists gain the recognition they deserve.”