Girls (Rita Ora song)

"Girls" is a song by British singer Rita Ora featuring American rapper Cardi B, American singer Bebe Rexha and British singer Charli XCX. It was released on 11 May 2018 by Atlantic Records.^[1] It was written by the former three as well as Klenord Raphael, Ali Tamposi, Pardison Fontaine, Brian Lee, and producers Jonny Coffer, Watt and Ben Billions.^[2]

"Girls"
Single by Rita Ora featuring Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX
from the album Phoenix
Released	11 May 2018 (2018-05-11)
Genre	Pop
Length	3:41
Label	Atlantic
Composer(s)	Ben Diehl Jonny Coffer Andrew Wotman
Lyricist(s)	Rita Ora Belcalis Almanzar Brian D. Lee Ali Tamposi Jordan Thorpe
Producer(s)	Andrew Watt Jonny Coffer Ben Billions
Rita Ora singles chronology
"For You" (2018) "Girls" (2018) "Let You Love Me" (2018)
Cardi B singles chronology
"Be Careful" (2018) "Girls" (2018) "Dinero" (2018)
Bebe Rexha singles chronology
"Push Back" (2018) "Girls" (2018) "I'm a Mess" (2018)
Charli XCX singles chronology
"Out of My Head" (2017) "Girls" (2018) "5 in the Morning" (2018)
Music video
"Girls" on YouTube

Background

The collaboration was announced on 4 May 2018.^[3] Rita Ora described the song as an "empowering anthem":

"These past few years I've been so inspired by all the strong women I've seen who aren't afraid to be themselves. For those who aren't afraid to rule the world, this is our anthem. A celebration of love. And of course, thank you to all the fellow boss women who so kindly graced this song with me — each representing who they are and where they are from [...]"^[4]

In an interview with People, Ora revealed that the song was inspired by Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl", which she described as: "just such a statement; it was so fun".^[5]

Composition

"Girls" is a pop song that comprises a hip hop-influenced beat, with lyrics exploring themes of same-sex attraction.^{[6][7][4][8][2]}

Music video

The music video for "Girls" was released on 6 June 2018.^[9] It was directed by Helmi.

Live performances

Ora performed the song live for the first time at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend on 28 May 2017, with Charli XCX and Raye, one year before its release as an official single.^[10] Her first televised performance was on the season finale of Germany's Next Topmodel on 24 May 2018.^[11]

Reception

American singers Hayley Kiyoko and Kehlani, both of whom identify as lesbians, criticized the song for being "harmful" to the LGBTQ community. Kiyoko referred to the song in a tweet she posted as being "tone-deaf", stating that the song "fueled the male gaze while marginalizing the idea of women loving women."^[12] Kehlani voiced her opinion in a series of tweets, "I have an incredible song out with one of the artists, and would love to work with the other three as well. I have met them all and respect them. There. Were. Harmful. Lyrics." She concluded her tweets with: "Every artist on the song is fantastic, and very much loved and supported by me... by all of us. But this isn't about talent, it's about choice."^[13]

In 2019, Billboard included the song in its list of the "30 Lesbian Love Songs".^[14]

Singers' responses to backlash

Ora responded to criticism, as she wrote: "'Girls' was written to represent my truth and is an accurate account of a very real and honest experience in my life... I have had romantic relationships with women and men throughout my life and this is my personal journey".^[15] Nonetheless, she apologized following the controversy.^[16]

Cardi insisted on Twitter that she and the others "never [tried] to cause harm or had bad intentions with the song", referencing her own bisexuality and prior experiences with women.^[17] Charli stated in an interview with Rolling Stone that she had read the criticisms, including Kiyoko and Kehlani's posts, regarding the song's lyrics, continuing: "... the intention of the song was never to hurt anybody. None of the artists on this song would ever want to upset or hurt anyone." She further mentioned that she wants to "learn from this experience" and hoped to continue dialogue without upsetting queer communities.^[18]

Rexha opted for a more defensive response, telling Entertainment Weekly, "My sexual life is nobody's business... but we're singing a song about kissing girls and that remains true to who I am. It's the life that I live and it's honest to me." She went on to say "People automatically went for the negative instead of saying: 'Well maybe these girls do kiss girls, maybe Bebe is bi.' You don't know about my sexual orientation, so I felt disrespected."^[19]

Track listing

• Digital download

1. "Girls" (featuring Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX) – 3:41

• Digital download^[20]

1. "Girls" (featuring Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX) (Martin Jensen Remix) – 4:20

• Digital download^[21]

1. "Girls" (featuring Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX) (Steve Aoki Remix) – 3:45

Charts

Chart performance for "Girls"

Chart (2018)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)^[22]	52
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)^[23]	62
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)^[24]	33
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)^[25]	1
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)^[26]	72
Croatia Airplay (HRT)^[27]	24
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)^[28]	59
Europe (Euro Digital Songs)^[29]	20
France (SNEP Sales Chart)^[30]	138
Germany (Official German Charts)^[31]	69
Greece Digital Singles (IFPI Greece)^[32]	33
Hungary (Single Top 40)^[33]	38
Hungary (Stream Top 40)^[34]	37
Ireland (IRMA)^[35]	26
Mexico Ingles Airplay (Billboard)^[36]	42
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)^[37]	19
Netherlands (Single Top 100)^[38]	73
New Zealand Heatseekers (RMNZ)^[39]	1
Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)^[40]	27
Portugal (AFP)^[41]	72
Romania (Airplay 100)^[42]	50
Scotland (OCC)^[43]	15
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)^[44]	31
Spain Digital Songs (PROMUSICAE)^[45]	42
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)^[46]	66
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)^[47]	54
UK Singles (OCC)^[48]	22
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)^[49]	11
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)^[50]	3
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)^[51]	6
US Pop Digital Songs (Billboard)^[52]	14

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)^[53]	Gold	35,000^‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)^[54]	2× Platinum	80,000^‡
Norway (IFPI Norway)^[55]	Gold	30,000^‡
Poland (ZPAV)^[56]	Gold	10,000^‡
United Kingdom (BPI)^[57]	Gold	400,000^‡
^‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region	Date	Format	Version	Label	Ref.
Various	11 May 2018	Digital download streaming	Original	Atlantic	^[citation needed]
Italy		Contemporary hit radio		Warner	^[58]
United States	22 May 2018	Rhythmic contemporary radio		Warner Bros. Atlantic	^[59]
United Kingdom	8 June 2018	Digital download	Steve Aoki Remix	Atlantic	^[21]
	15 June 2018		Martin Jensen Remix		^[20]

References

1. "Rita Ora's new single featuring Cardi B, Charli XCX and Bebe Rexha is released". Belfast Telegraph. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
2. Coleman II, C. Vernon (11 May 2018). "Cardi B, Rita Ora, Bebe Rexha & Charli XCX Drop New Song "Girls"". XXL. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
3. Britton, Luke Morgan (4 May 2018). "Rita Ora, Cardi B, Charli XCX and Bebe Rexha are teaming up for a massive new single called 'Girls'". NME. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
4. "New Music: Rita Ora feat. Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX - Girls". Rap-Up. 10 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
5. "Rita Ora Says Katy Perry Inspired Her Bisexual Anthem 'Girls' - and Reveals If It's Inspired By Her Own Sexuality". People. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
6. "Rita Ora Taps Cardi B, Bebe Rexha & Charli XCX For "Girls"". HotNewHipHop. 10 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
7. Kaye, Ben (11 May 2018). "Rita Ora rallies Cardi B, Charli XCX, Bebe Rexha for "Girls": Stream". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
8. "Charli XCX, Cardi B, Rita Ora and Bebe Rexha link up for "Girls"". The Fader. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
9. "Watch Rita Ora, Cardi B Share a Kiss in 'Girls' Video". Rolling Stone. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
10. "BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, 2017, Rita Ora feat. Raye & Charli XCX". BBC.
11. Ora, Rita (24 May 2018). "So I'm driving back from Soundcheck and I nearly choked on my sandwich I saw this HUGE poster I had to stop the car and take a picture! I'm performing GIRLS tonight LIVE for the first time on TV for @germanysnexttopmodel Final alongside one of my absolute favourites @shawnmendes I'm so excited!! And Congrats to all the finalists for getting this FAR! See you tonight I'm on at 10pm!!". Instagram. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
12. Enos, Morgan (11 May 2018). "Hayley Kiyoko Calls Rita Ora's 'Girls' 'Tone-Deaf,' Worries It Does 'More Harm Than Good' for LGBTQ Community". Billboard. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
13. "Hayley Kiyoko Says Rita Ora's New Single "Girls" Sends 'Dangerous' Message". Complex Networks.
14. Russell, Erica (13 February 2019). "30 Lesbian Love Songs: Women Singing About Women (Updated 2019)". Billboard. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
15. "Rita Ora Says Her Song "Girls" Is About "My Personal Journey" And She Never Meant To Offend". BuzzFeed News. 14 May 2018.
16. "Rita Ora Apologizes Over Widespread Criticism of New Song 'Girls'". Rolling Stone.
17. "Cardi B Weighs In on 'Girls' Controversy & Says She Has Been With 'A Lot' of Women". Billboard.
18. "Charli XCX on 'Girls' Controversy: 'I Want to Learn From This Experience'". Rolling Stone.
19. "Bebe Rexha on 'Girls' backlash: 'People automatically went for the negative'". Entertainment Weekly.
20. "Girls (feat. Cardi B, Bebe Rexha & Charli XCX) [Martin Jensen Remix] – Single by Rita Ora on iTunes". iTunes Store (GB). 15 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
21. "Girls (feat. Cardi B, Bebe Rexha & Charli XCX) [Steve Aoki Remix] – Single by Rita Ora on iTunes". iTunes Store (GB). 8 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
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28. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201820 into search. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
29. "Rita Ora – Chart history (Euro Digital Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
30. "Rita Ora / Cardi B / Bebe Rexha / Charli XCX – Girls". PureMédias. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
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32. (in Greek). IFPI.gr. Archived from the original on 31 May 2018.
33. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
34. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
35. "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
36. "Mexico Ingles Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
37. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 24, 2018" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
38. "Rita Ora / Cardi B / Bebe Rexha / Charli XCX – Girls" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
39. "NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
40. "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
41. "Rita Ora / Cardi B / Bebe Rexha / Charli XCX – Girls". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
42. "Airplay 100 – 12 august 2018" (in Romanian). Kiss FM. 12 August 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
43. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
44. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201820 into search. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
45. "Spain Digital & Physical Songs Sales". spanishcharts.com. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
46. "Rita Ora / Cardi B / Bebe Rexha / Charli XCX – Girls". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
47. "Rita Ora / Cardi B / Bebe Rexha / Charli XCX – Girls". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
48. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
49. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
50. "Rita Ora Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
51. "Rita Ora Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
52. . Billboard. Archived from the original on 20 August 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
53. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2019 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
54. "Brazilian single certifications – Rita Ora – Girls" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
55. "Norwegian single certifications – Bebe Rexha, Nicki Minaj – Girls" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
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57. "British single certifications – Rita Ora/Cardi B/Rexha/Charli – Girls". British Phonographic Industry.
58. "RITA ORA "Girls" - (Radio Date: 11/05/2018)". Radiodate.it. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
59. . AllAccess. Archived from the original on 19 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.

External links

• Lyric video on YouTube