Charli XCX surprised fans in Paris with a live performance of Air’s ‘Cherry Blossom Girl’ during their We Love Green set

Charli XCX delivered a magical moment in Paris as she joined iconic French duo Air on stage to perform their beloved track Cherry Blossom Girl at the We Love Green festival. The surprise duet has since sparked a wave of excitement among fans of both artists, uniting two generations of dreamy electro-pop in one unforgettable performance.

The collaboration came during Air’s headlining set at the eco-conscious festival held in Paris’s Bois de Vincennes. Known for their elegant, ethereal soundscapes, the duo—Jean-Benoît Dunckel and Nicolas Godin—have rarely invited guest singers to share the stage with them. But when Charli XCX appeared under the festival lights, it felt like a moment that had been destined to happen.

Wearing a flowing sheer ensemble that shimmered in the summer night, Charli XCX stepped into the haunting world of Cherry Blossom Girl with elegance and emotion. Her vocals melted seamlessly into the song’s soft melody, adding a modern yet nostalgic twist to one of Air’s most adored tracks. Released in 2004 as part of their album Talkie Walkie, the track has long been praised for its wistful lyrics and minimalist production.

The appearance wasn’t just a one-off stunt—it was the culmination of mutual admiration. Charli XCX has spoken in the past about her love for Air’s music, citing their influence on her own sonic evolution. Her latest album, BRAT, has been widely praised for its forward-thinking production, but this performance showed her ability to dial into something slower, softer, and more introspective. It was a rare chance to see the pop provocateur in a new light—less glitter and chaos, more melancholy and grace.

Fans at We Love Green were audibly stunned by the moment, many recording the surprise duet and sharing clips across social media. One fan captured the sentiment perfectly: “I came for Charli, but I left in love with Air.” The performance has reignited interest in both artists’ catalogues, with streams of Cherry Blossom Girl spiking shortly after the show.

For Air, this collaboration with Charli XCX brought their music to a new generation. Though best known for their seminal 1998 album Moon Safari, which features classics like Sexy Boy and All I Need, the duo has maintained a loyal following and are often credited with defining a key period in French electronic music. Inviting Charli XCX onstage was not just a nod to their legacy—it was a bridge to the future.

Charli XCX, meanwhile, continues to cement her status as one of pop’s most versatile figures. Whether it’s leading the charge in hyperpop, crafting club-ready bangers, or now serenading festival crowds with downtempo ballads, her ability to adapt and surprise knows no bounds. Her performance with Air was another reminder of her creative breadth and her growing influence across genres.

As summer festival season heats up, the unexpected duet between Charli XCX and Air has already become one of the standout moments of the year. It was the kind of musical meeting that feels both spontaneous and fated—two different worlds colliding in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re discovering Cherry Blossom Girl for the first time or revisiting it through Charli’s lens, this performance in Paris will linger long in the memory. A celebration of French electronica and British pop prowess, it was a dream come true for fans—and likely for the artists themselves.