Charli XCX Originally Wrote “Boom Clap” For Hilary Duff: “I Was Crushed”

Christina Lee | June 24, 2014 7:14 am

Charli XCX once had different plans for “Boom Clap,” her contribution to The Fault In Our Stars soundtrack – and the song that has cemented her rightful place in pop. A year ago, she originally wrote the song for Hilary Duff – “my No. 1 project as a songwriter,” she says.

Duff has been plotting her first new music since 2007’s Dignity, while working with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Dr. Luke. “[W]hen I heard about this, I was like, ‘F—k!Are you serious?! This is my ‘in’! I’m going to make a Hilary Duff album!’” Charli XCX said to MTV UK.

“So we sent over ‘Boom Clap’, but [Duff’s team] came back and were like, ‘This isn’t cool enough for Hilary.’” Wait – what?

“I was like, crushed,” she adds. “I thought I was a cool writer, but maybe I’m not. Hilary didn’t want my song. What a life-ruiner.”

Fortunately, Duff’s rejection turned out to be a blessing. Following her features in Iggy Azalea‘s “Fancy” and Icona Pop‘s “I Love It,” Charli XCX’s “Boom Clap” debuted in Billboard’s Hot 100 this week, while its video has been viewed more than 2 million times. It’s the True Romance star’s biggest solo hit to date.

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