Fans think Charli XCX sent a message to Taylor Swift with her 'SNL' cameo look

By Shafiq Najib

Charli XCX stole the spotlight on this weekend's episode of "Saturday Night Live."

The British singer joined musical guest Role Model, whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury, during his performance on the show on Saturday.

As Role Model performed his song "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out," he asked the crowd, "Where's my Sally tonight?" Moments later, Charli xcx walked through a set of stage doors, drawing loud cheers as she danced alongside him.

Nbc/Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty

Musical guest Role Model, host Amy Poehler, and Bowen Yang -- (Photo by: Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty Images)

The "Apple" singer wore a black skirt, sunglasses, and a "Max's Kansas City" T-shirt, an outfit that quickly got fans talking online.

Many wondered if the look was a subtle reference to Taylor Swift, who often spends time in Kansas City with her fiancé, NFL star Travis Kelce.

Before the performance ended, Charli XCX removed her dark sunglasses, placed them on Role Model, and exited the stage.

While the T-shirt could have been a nod to Role Model, who wore the same one in promos for the episode and whose album is titled "Kansas Anymore," or a tribute to the legendary New York City nightclub Max's Kansas City, some fans speculated it may have also been an indirect reference to the rumored tension between Charli XCX and Swift.

Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Gucci

Charli XCX attends Gucci's celebration of Romain Gavras' Sacrifice during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 06, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

Rumors of a feud began earlier this month after Swift released her song "Actually Romantic" from "The Life of a Showgirl," which fans believe may have been inspired by Charli XCX's track "Everything Is Romantic" from her 2024 album "Brat."

Many also interpreted Swift's song as a response to Charli XCX's earlier hit "Sympathy Is a Knife," in which she sings about insecurities, seemingly referencing Swift's brief relationship with Matty Healy, who plays in The 1975 alongside Charli XCX's now-husband, George Daniel.

Neither Swift nor Charli XCX has commented on the speculation, but fans continue to read between the lines and, in this case, the T-shirt.

Role Model made his "Saturday Night Live" debut on the Oct. 11 episode hosted by Amy Poehler, which also featured surprise appearances from Tina Fey and Seth Meyers.