Watch “Candy” by XO – EQ Music Blog
The hype around XO is reaching fever pitch — and honestly, for good reason. The team assembled behind them is nothing short of stellar, and likewise, their label Polydor seems dead set on making 2026 the long-awaited renaissance year of the girl group. In fact, XO didn’t waste a second proving the point either. They burst onto the scene with their debut tracks “Lovesick” and “Real Friends,” quickly driving a wave of buzz that snowballed into sold-out shows and the rapid arrival of their debut EP, “Fashionably Late.” Now, they’re levelling up again with a brand-new UK headline tour set for 2026.
With everything about to kick off in a big way, no one should be fashionably late to XO’s pop party. The EP is the perfect entry point: a fully formed parcel of glittering pop attitude, whip-smart, empowering, and crafted with a co-writer lineup that reads like a pop who’s-who. Think Charli XCX, Willow Kayne (2021 Ivor Novello Rising Star), Gracey, L Devine, Lauren Aquilina, and UPSAHL. Nothing here is left to chance.
Still, for all the big names backing them, XO’s confidence is unmistakably their own. Across six tracks, the group showcase a signature blend of swagger, unapologetic sass, and bold, hook-heavy pop. Dare I say it, “Fashionably Late” might just be one of the most polished and exciting debut releases we’ve heard in years.
And while every track on the EP could easily stand as a single, XO are swerving expectations. Instead of leaning into viral fan favourite “Ponytail” for their next spotlight moment. Instead, they’ve thrown focus onto “Candy,” a track radiating Gwen Stefani–era “Hollaback Girl” energy in the best way possible. For those who haven’t yet caught XO live, the video for “Candy” is a perfect teaser. A clip, playful, punchy, and brimming with the choreo the group is clearly destined to be known for.
XO’s brand-new UK headline tour includes a London date at O2 Academy Islington on May 29th. Artist pre-sale opens 9 AM on November 19th, with general release tickets available from November 21st.
Connect with XO
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/xo.co.uk/
