Chloe qisha: pop’s next flirtation?

Forget manufactured pop stars – Chloe Qisha is arriving with a wink and a graphic baby tee. The 27-year-old, fresh off supporting Sabrina Carpenter and earning a spot on BBC’s Sound of 2026 list, is poised to ignite the UK festival circuit this summer, and her stage presence promises to be as captivating as her music.

The uniform of a rising star

Qisha’s aesthetic isn't accidental; it's a deliberate construction. “Fashion can be very divisive and used in a very good way, especially for budding artists,” she explains, referencing her recent tour’s carefully curated outfits. Think Fiorucci jackets and tights paired with chaps – a bold statement that signals a playful, rebellious energy. She’s drawing inspiration from the established pop icons, noting, “When I think of Charli [XCX], I think of booty shorts with a tee and the sunglasses. So, for this [tour], I was like, ‘I’m going to do a graphic baby tee and chaps.’” It’s a visual language designed to be instantly recognizable, a uniform for a new generation of pop devotees.

Pop's evolving landscape

But Qisha isn’t just about the visuals. She’s also acutely aware of the shifting landscape of pop music. “I don’t think there’s still a stigma around pop music as much now,” she observes, pointing to the recent success of “The Powerpuff Girls” – a collective encompassing Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX – as evidence of pop’s resurgence into the “cool” echelon. Yet, she acknowledges the lingering resistance, the inevitable “annoying boy who loves [insert your British indie band in the 90s here]” contingent. Her response? “You have to be a different breed of human to be a hater, because, a) who’s got the time? And b) the industry is saturated with so many artists and so many different kinds of music that fit every shade of genre, that if it’s not for you just move on.”

The double standard of the live show

Qisha doesn't shy away from addressing the double standards faced by women in live performance. “They 1,000 per cent do,” she asserts. “The bar for pop girlies is unusually high.” The rapid ascent fueled by TikTok virality has eroded the grace period for artistic growth. Fans expect instant perfection, demanding that emerging artists deliver the vocal prowess of Beyoncé while simultaneously channeling the dance moves of Tate McRae. The contrast with male performers is stark: a male artist can comfortably rock a well-worn t-shirt and jeans, brandishing a guitar, and be lauded as a “King.” Qisha highlights the hypocrisy, noting that boundary-setting with the paparazzi is met with approval for a male artist, but viewed as “diva” behavior for a female artist.

'Surprise, surprise': vulnerability in pop

Her recent release, ‘Surprise, Surprise,’ offers a glimpse into Qisha’s songwriting process—a willingness to explore vulnerable territory. “It’s probably one of the truest songs I’ve written,” she shares. The track delves into the complexities of revisiting a flawed relationship, questioning not just the partner’s role but also one’s own culpability. It’s a refreshing departure from the often-glossy veneer of pop, revealing a nuanced understanding of self-reflection.

Owning desire

And then there's “YDH” – young, dumb, and horny. Qisha’s unapologetic use of the term “horny” sparked internal debate within her team, but she ultimately refused to compromise. “But that’s exactly why I want it in the song, because people think it’s such a dirty word when really it’s not.” It’s a deliberate reclamation of female sexuality, challenging the persistent taboo surrounding women's open expression of desire. As for current crushes? “I have so many,” she admits with a smile, further solidifying her image as a refreshingly authentic artist.

With festival season looming and a growing fanbase eager for more, Chloe Qisha isn't just another pop contender; she's actively redefining what it means to be a pop star in 2026. The flirtation has begun.