Swedish singer Zara Larsson has experienced a significant surge in her career over the past year, marking a turning point in her long-standing pursuit of pop stardom. Now 28, Larsson has evolved from a well-known but sometimes overlooked artist into a recognized global superstar.

Larsson first rose to prominence at the age of 10 after winning the reality competition “Sweden’s Got Talent.” Since then, she has explored various facets of the pop music industry, including working as a teen pop act, a contributor to dance music, and an experimental artist. Despite recognition, she had not previously achieved widespread, enduring success—until recently.

A key factor in Larsson’s recent rise was the release of the deluxe edition of her 2025 album *Midnight Sun*, subtitled “Girls Trip.” This edition injected new energy into several tracks through collaborations with artists such as Tyla, Kehlani, and Shakira. Additionally, her 2015 hit single “Lush Life” found renewed popularity through viral TikTok videos, helping it reach a new high in global charts. Another notable moment came when gold medal figure skater Alysa Liu performed to Larsson’s remix of “Stateside” by PinkPantheress during the 2026 Winter Olympics, further elevating the singer’s visibility.

Larsson credited this surge to her participation in broader cultural moments and her increased comfort in blending technical skill with a more playful, dynamic presence both onstage and on social media platforms.

Prior to this breakthrough, Larsson was involved in challenging discussions with her former record label, Epic Records. A documentary detailing the creation of *Midnight Sun* revealed conversations between Larsson and Epic executive Sylvia Rhone, in which Rhone indicated the label was ready to “cash in” after years of investment. Larsson, however, expressed frustration with the label relationship, describing herself metaphorically as “that old cousin in the corner” at a party—present but overlooked and sidelined.

Following this impasse, Larsson transitioned to RCA Records, another Sony Music label, where she has since continued to build her career. The move appears to have coincided with her recent breakthroughs, suggesting a fresh start and renewed momentum in her ongoing quest for pop music acclaim.