Charli XCX made a surprise appearance via video voicemail during Djo's performance at the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco [1].
The cameo highlights the ongoing creative intersection between the two artists and serves as a high-profile moment for one of the West Coast's largest annual music events.
The appearance occurred during the weekend of Aug. 7-8, 2026 [3], as Djo performed the song “Charlie’s Garden” [1]. Rather than appearing on stage in person, Charli XCX delivered her contribution through a recorded video voicemail that played for the crowd [1, 2].
“Charlie’s Garden” was originally released in 2025 [4]. The use of the voicemail format added a personal element to the live arrangement of the track during the festival set [2].
Djo, the musical project of actor Joe Keery, utilized the surprise guest appearance to enhance the narrative of the song [1]. The event took place in San Francisco, California, where Outside Lands draws thousands of attendees to the city's park system each year [1, 3].
This specific interaction follows a trend of surprise collaborations and cross-genre appearances that have become staples of the modern festival circuit. The integration of digital media, such as the video voicemail, allows artists to participate in live events remotely while maintaining an intimate connection with the audience [2].
“Charli XCX made a surprise appearance via video voicemail during Djo's performance”
The use of a video voicemail for a live cameo reflects a shift in festival production, where digital integration allows for 'virtual' guest appearances. By bridging the gap between a recorded message and a live performance, artists can create viral moments that extend the reach of a physical concert to a global digital audience.
