Charli XCX Surprises Austin City Limits Audience with Tinashe Cameo

Oct 12, 2026 | 2:36 AM

Jean_Nelson / Depositphotos.com

Charli XCX brought an unexpected guest to the stage during her headlining performance at the 2026 Austin City Limits Music Festival, welcoming Tinashe for a special appearance.

The surprise took place Friday, October 9, at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. During the set, Tinashe performed two tracks from her new album Popstar, including the live debut of “Nobody Wanna Dance Anymore” and a performance of “Melatonin.”

Earlier that day, Tinashe hinted at the reunion through an Instagram Stories video featuring the two artists dancing backstage to “Drop That Kitty,” their 2015 collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign.

The appearance added another guest moment to Charli XCX’s festival run. During the opening weekend on October 2, she also welcomed Troye Sivan to the stage for performances of “Le Boy” and “Party.”

Charli XCX and Tinashe have shared a musical connection for more than a decade, making the Austin City Limits appearance another chapter in their history together.

The festival performances highlighted Charli XCX’s collaborations while giving Tinashe an opportunity to introduce new material to the Austin audience.