Zara Larsson, dialing in from a Denver hotel room just moments after an afternoon nap, greeted the day with a laugh. "It’s two o’clock," she stated, her voice still carrying the remnants of sleep, "so it’s time to start the day." Fresh-faced, friendly, and exhibiting a thoughtful demeanor, Larsson, at 28, is on the cusp of a major tour supporting Midnight Sun, the 2025 album that has catapulted her into the pop music stratosphere. This pivotal album’s title track earned Larsson her first-ever Grammy nomination for best dance pop recording, a significant milestone that followed her role as an opening act on Tate McRae’s highly successful 2025 Miss Possessive arena tour.
Adding to this banner year, the enduring power of TikTok propelled Larsson’s 2016 hit single "Lush Life" back onto the Billboard Hot 100. A decade after its initial release, the track was in its 17th week on the chart at the time of this report, a testament to its timeless appeal and renewed viral popularity. However, it was her featured verse on the October remix of PinkPantheress’s "Stateside," accompanied by a visually striking music video released in January that blended Lisa Frank aesthetics with Burberry elegance, that truly turbocharged her career. Her profile ascended even further when U.S. figure skating gold medalist Alysa Liu performed to the remix at the 2026 Olympics Exhibition Gala in February, an event watched by millions globally. By late March, "Stateside" had not only climbed to No. 6 on the Hot 100 but also topped the Billboard Global 200, solidifying Larsson’s international impact.
This period of unprecedented success represents a breakthrough more than a decade in the making. Larsson’s journey began at the tender age of 10 when she won the Swedish version of America’s Got Talent in 2008. She released her debut album in 2014, achieving significant chart success in her native Sweden and making her initial forays onto the Billboard Hot 100 in 2016 and 2019. Yet, it is this current era that has undeniably transformed her into a capital-P pop star. "I think this year cemented me as not only a girl with popular songs," Larsson reflected, "but a girl worth talking about in pop culture."
The Dawn of "Zara World"
Larsson’s artistic evolution is intrinsically linked to the creation of her latest album, Midnight Sun. She described her career trajectory metaphorically as a car she’d been traveling in, knowing the destination but residing in the passenger seat. "With this album," she explained, "I was like, ‘Guys, I feel like I should drive.’" This newfound sense of agency has manifested in her deep involvement in songwriting, visual direction, styling, and the overall execution of her live performances.
"My confidence grew so much, and I started surrounding myself with peers, friends and people my age," Larsson shared. This shift is particularly significant given her early start in the industry. Having been the youngest person in many professional settings for years, she often found herself in rooms with individuals possessing significantly more experience. "Starting so young, I’ve been surrounded by amazing adults who’ve always wanted the best for me, but it’s hard to find your confidence and your voice in a room filled with people who’ve had 15 years more experience."
The creative process behind Midnight Sun involved a collaborative effort with friends and contemporaries, including artists like Margo XS, Eliana, and producer MNEK, with whom she has a long-standing professional relationship. "We’re all equal in where we are in life; our cultural references are so similar," Larsson noted. This sense of parity and shared understanding fostered an environment where she felt empowered to express her opinions more assertively, leading to a more authentic and cohesive artistic vision.
The "Stateside" Phenomenon and its Ripple Effects
The genesis of Larsson’s collaboration on the "Stateside" remix with PinkPantheress was a testament to organic fan-to-artist connection. Larsson had initiated contact via direct message, expressing her admiration for the artist. PinkPantheress, in turn, reciprocated the praise and extended an invitation to contribute to an upcoming remix album. Larsson responded with remarkable alacrity, submitting her verse within two days, a clear indication of her dedication to the project.
The song’s subsequent release proved to be a cultural moment, exceeding all expectations. While Larsson had experienced chart success earlier in her career, "Stateside" offered a different kind of impact. "I’ve had big songs early in my career, but I haven’t connected on a personal or cultural level," she observed. "People knew about my songs, but they didn’t necessarily know about me." The remix provided a platform for fans to connect with her on a more intimate level, positioning her as a relevant voice within the broader cultural conversation.
The involvement of Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu in performing to the remix at the 2026 Olympics Exhibition Gala further amplified the song’s reach and cultural significance. For Larsson, this moment transcended mere musical success. "When Alysa [Liu] skated to our song, that felt like such a moment. It felt like history. That’s what gets me going," she stated, highlighting the profound emotional resonance of seeing her music intertwined with such a prestigious global event.
A Decade of Dedication and Defining Success
Larsson’s current accolades, including her upcoming recognition at Billboard’s Women in Music 2026 event, are a culmination of over a decade of relentless dedication to her craft. The "Breakthrough" award, in particular, resonates deeply with her because it acknowledges sustained effort rather than nascent talent. "It is a fair recognition, because it’s not ‘best new’," she emphasized. "Now with PinkPantheress and ‘Stateside,’ I’m charting, and it’s going so well. For the first time in a long time, I’m on the Billboard charts. I’m reaching so many new heights 10 years into my career, which is exciting and a testament to never giving up."
Despite the significant influx of success and attention, Larsson maintains a grounded perspective on how her life has changed. "I’ve thought a lot about that, and it’s absolutely nothing," she stated when asked about practical changes. "I like that I get more opportunities. [The success] has given me the opportunity to work with more of the women I really want to work with. There’s more eyeballs on me. But I’m the same. I do the same things. It feels the same internally."
This sense of normalcy extends to her touring experiences. Currently embarking on a club and theater tour that was booked a year prior, she finds the intimate settings reminiscent of the early stages of her career. However, she acknowledges a subtle shift in public perception. When friends inquired about needing security for Coachella this year, her initial reaction was one of bewilderment. "I was like, ‘Hell no. What? That’s so weird.’" The suggestion, however, prompted a moment of reflection: "They were like, ‘We think you might need it.’" While she expresses a disinclination towards needing security for activities she’s engaged in throughout her adult life, she remains open to the evolving dynamics of her public profile. "Time will tell," she conceded. "Right now, it feels very normal, and that’s nice, because I am so happy with what I do, and I’m really proud of what I’ve made."
Charting a Course for the Future
The trajectory of Zara Larsson’s career exemplifies the power of perseverance and artistic evolution. From her early beginnings as a prodigious talent to her current status as a globally recognized pop force, her journey is marked by consistent effort and an unwavering commitment to her vision. The success of Midnight Sun and the viral resurgence of "Lush Life," coupled with the impactful collaboration on "Stateside," have not only placed her at the forefront of the pop music landscape but have also solidified her reputation as an artist who is not afraid to evolve and take creative control.
Her participation in Billboard’s Women in Music 2026 event, a celebration of female artistry and impact, underscores her growing influence and her dedication to empowering other women in the industry. As she continues to tour and engage with her audience, Larsson’s narrative serves as an inspiring example of how sustained passion and a willingness to embrace new creative avenues can lead to profound and lasting breakthroughs. The "Zara World" she has meticulously cultivated is not just a collection of hits and performances, but a testament to an artist who has found her voice and is now confidently steering her own course.
This article appears in the April 18, 2026, issue of Billboard.
