Pop star Charli XCX gets her birthday suit on (+photos)

Charli XCX performs at the Powerstation in Auckland. Photo/Steve Dykes

It wasn't her birthday - but that didn't stop Charli XCX from celebrating like it was at her first New Zealand show.

The UK pop star arrived on stage during the encore at last night's Powerstation show dressed like a birthday cake - then made up raps about the iced treat during a bonkers version of her chart-topping hit with Iggy Azalea, Fancy.

Charli XCX performs at the Powerstation in Auckland. Photo/Steve Dykes

She soon explained why she was wearing the outlandish fancy dress: it was her bassist's birthday, and she celebrated by bringing out a birthday cake, getting the crowd to sing Happy Birthday and delivering an impromptu version of rapper 50 Cent's hit In Da Club.

The show - a free event for iHeartRadio listeners and sponsored by 2degrees - was a punchy and powerful display from an emerging pop talent, who showcased many of her biggest hits backed by a three-piece all-girl band and a glitzy, glam-pop stage show.

Charli XCX performs at the Powerstation in Auckland. Photo/Steve Dykes

Those hits included the fuzzed-out rawk of Gold Coins, which comes on like a blunter version of Lorde's Royals, a sultry, sexed-up version of Stay Away, and the rebellious shout-pop of Break the Rules.

She proved to be a rebellious stage presence too, starting London Queen by writhing around on the floor, showing the crowd her middle finger during rowdy opener Sucker, and pretending to play a giant blow-up guitar during Breaking Up.

Charli XCX performs at the Powerstation in Auckland. Photo/Steve Dykes

"I flew all the way to f****** New Zealand so give me something," she demanded after landing on stage in a zebra-striped outfit, before belting out a version of Icona Pop's I Love It, which she co-wrote and guested on.

The show was a rare chance to see an emerging pop star - who's only just finished opening for Katy Perry across Europe - perform in an intimate venue.

Yet, for some reason, Charli XCX felt the need to apologise to the crowd during her three-song encore, saying: "Sorry that gig was weird ... I'm going through a weird thing in my brain. And I'm dressed like a cake!"

Charli XCX performs at the Powerstation in Auckland. Photo/Steve Dykes

She needn't have apologised - Charli XCX's show was an hour-long burst of bubblegum escapism that showcases a singer you feel is just another hit or two away from super-pop stardom.

- nzherald.co.nz