Harlow Bidwell ‘28, Opinion Editor
Zara Larsson has finished her year off strong with many accomplishments like being GRAMMY nominated for her song “Midnight Sun.” under the category Best Dance Pop Recording. This is the first time in Larsson’s musical history where she has been nominated for a GRAMMY award, although she’s been very popular for her hits in the past like “Lush Life,” “Ain’t My Fault,” “Never Forget You,” and “WOW.” Even though all of the songs listed hit over one billion streams in all, she has never been nominated for a GRAMMY award. After touring with star Tate McRae for her So Close to What? tour, Larsson had gained public attention once again. Her most recent Album, Midnight Sun was released while she was opening for McRae, and the publicity helped curate new fans and viewers who claim she is underrated. After the nomination , Larsson commented, “Girl, listen—I have practiced my Grammy speech since I was eight. This to me is like, finally. Because I’ve had this dream, which I think was more about wanting to be seen and wanting to be loved.”
A lot of controversy comes around the topic of Larsson opening for McRae, but the success both artists gained from this tour is undeniably amazing. Many argue how Larsson should not have opened for McRae, while she is and has been a big artist for years. Larsson had actually discussed why she had opened for the So Close to What? tour early this year, and it was to gain popularity in the states. The “Lush Life” singer had gained traction in other countries already, like her country of origin—Sweden—and all over Europe, yet does not typically perform as well in the U.S., even after the hits she produced in the 2010s. By opening for the tour, she has gained hundreds of thousands of listeners after each show. For her song “Lush Life,“, she brings a fan on stage and a new dance trend had started in one of her Sweden shows. The creator of this dance, Julia Coster, said online, “I was so honored when everyone decided to do the dance I created, even Zara! She is one of my biggest inspirations.”
Although her music drew everyone’s attention to her, her openness and her fearlessness of speaking on topics other rising artists would not dare to equivocate to. The Swedish artist is vocal on her opinions and does not shy away from the controversy it might bring. Larsson is constantly advocating for women’s rights and mental health on her social media and even at her shows. She also advocates for the voices of Palestinians and donates back to those who need it. Larsson, knowing she can’t do as much as the next person especially with these wars, still speaks out against it in support of Palestine and uses her platform to spread awareness with the current ignorance of the U.S. of this war. As Larsson starts to make her mark around the world, and people begin to recognize her for her actions, voice, and kindness— she shows the world about self love and confidence with her music, along with spreading awareness and also showing love to the other female artists she is constantly compared to. Larsson is a great artist, not for just her music, but her message and mark.
Lyon Life 