Charlie Puth performed his song "I Used to Be Cringe" during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in Los Angeles [1].

The performance serves as a promotional push for Puth's latest musical project, highlighting his shift toward more transparent songwriting regarding his personal insecurities.

The track is part of "Whatever's Clever!", which is Puth's fourth studio album [2]. The album was released on March 27, 2026 [2]. During the promotional cycle, Puth has reflected on his growth as an artist and the image he projected early in his career.

"I used to be very cringe," Puth said in an interview with Rolling Stone on Jan. 20 [3].

He has described his creative process as a form of reconstruction. "I usually hear the entire song completely done in my head, and then it's a matter of reverse engineering it," Puth said [4].

This ability to visualize a completed track allows him to explore complex themes of identity and public perception. The new music specifically addresses the "ghosts" of his past, a theme that defines the narrative arc of the latest record [5].

While the song is titled "I Used to Be Cringe" in official broadcast listings [1], other reports have referred to the track as "I Used to Be Very Cringe" [3]. Despite the slight variation in the title, the core message remains a reflection on his evolution from a self-conscious youth to a confident professional.

"I think I've finally moved past the cringe phase," Puth said [6].

“"I used to be very cringe."”

Puth's pivot toward self-deprecating themes in his fourth album marks a strategic shift in his public persona. By acknowledging past insecurities and 'cringe' behavior, he is attempting to build a more authentic connection with a younger audience that values vulnerability over polished pop perfection.