Charli XCX has confirmed she DID pen songs for a new Britney Spears album – but doesn’t know if the pop idol was even involved.
The ‘Toxic’ hitmaker – who hasn’t released a studio album since 2016’s ‘Glory’ – hit out at a report that claimed Charli had been working on new tracks for her and insisted she is only interested in writing tracks for other artists.
She wrote on Instagram: “Just so we’re clear most of the news is trash !!! They keep saying I’m turning to random people to do a new album … I will never return to the music industry !!!
“When I write, I write for fun or I write for other people !!!
“For those of you who have read my book, there’s loads that you don’t know about me … I’ve written over 20 songs for other people the past two years !!! I’m a ghostwriter and I honestly enjoy it that way !!! (sic)”
And appearing on ‘Watch What Happens Live’ this week, she responded to the rumours: “Um, so. Well, yes, but, it leaked to the press.” She continued: “Britney then did this post where she was like, ‘I don’t have random people write for me.’ I was like, okay, go off! So I don’t know that she was part of the process.”
The ‘Speed Drive’ hitmaker questioned whether it was the “real” deal as it appeared the ‘Lucky’ hitmaker wasn’t involved.
Charli added: “Her team was running before they could walk. Britney probably has a load of other projects that she’s focusing on. So I did get asked but I don’t know if it’s like, real.”
Host Andy Cohen then asked: “Let me ask you this: Did you write anything in the hopes of her recording it?”
To which Charli replied: “Of course.
“I went to Malibu and I wrote. You always write songs hoping Britney’s going to record them … but you know, she didn’t record it.”
The ‘Boom Clap’ hitmaker insists she loves Britney, despite her seemingly calling her a “random” person.
The article in question claimed Charli had penned a “really strong” track for Britney’s consideration.
A source told The Sun: “Work has been going on behind the scenes for quite a while to gather a series of killer songs to bring Britney back with a bang.
“She is one of the biggest stars of the 21st Century so there is pressure for the music to be great. Charli has a great track record when it comes to writing clever pop songs.
“She went into the studio earlier in the year to make some songs using Britney’s guidance.
“She came up with a really strong track that is expected to make it on to the album, which Britney’s team hope will be out in 2024.”