Zara Larsson’s journey to international stardom began when she was just 10 years old. Born in Stockholm in 1997, she first captured the attention of the public as the winner of Talang, Sweden’s version of Got Talent, in 2008. With her remarkable voice and undeniable stage presence, it was clear from the start that Zara was destined for greatness. However, while it may seem like her rise to fame was immediate, her path was filled with twists and turns that tested her resilience. Reflecting on her early years, Zara has shared how she worried her career might be over before it even began, yet her persistence and passion for music have carried her to international success.
At the young age of 10, Zara Larsson performed Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On in the finale of Talang. The performance not only showcased her vocal abilities but also her ambition. She made her own dress for the event, wanting something that would make her feel like a grown woman on stage. Looking back, Zara jokes that while the dress looked nice from a distance, it was merely “a bunch of rags pinned together.” This moment marked her first major performance, one that she knew deep down was just the beginning of her career in entertainment.
Despite winning Talang and the buzz surrounding her victory, Zara found herself facing an unexpected lull. After the show, she had anticipated a flurry of offers and immediate success. “I presumed it would be like: boom! I’m going to get signed, I’m going to be a superstar!” she recalled. Instead, nothing significant happened for four years. This period of waiting was stressful for Zara, who began to worry that her career might never take off. During this time, she returned to a normal life, attending the Royal Swedish Ballet School where many of her friends were also performers. Fame didn’t change her day-to-day life, and her peers treated her like any other student.
One of the factors that shielded Zara from the negative aspects of early fame was the absence of social media during her childhood. Without platforms like Instagram or Twitter, she wasn’t bombarded with comments or criticism that could have impacted her confidence. Additionally, Sweden’s unique celebrity culture, or lack thereof, played a role in maintaining her sense of normalcy. “In Sweden, we don’t have celebrity culture,” Zara explained. “Our philosophy is centred around equality: that nobody is better than you, but nobody is worse, either.” This grounding perspective allowed Zara to focus on her passion for performing rather than the pressures of fame.
At the age of 14, Zara’s career finally took a significant turn when she signed with Ten Records in Sweden. From that point, her life became a whirlwind of music releases and performances. Zara’s mother, who had been by her side throughout her early career, continued to accompany her to meetings, studios, and international trips. Looking back, Zara acknowledges how crucial her mother’s presence was during those formative years. “This industry is definitely tough without someone advocating for you,” she said, reflecting on how easily she could have found herself in difficult situations without her mother’s support. Zara admits that, as a teenager, she was wild, stubborn, and rebellious, and having someone close to her ensured that she stayed on the right path.
By the time Zara was 17, she had signed with Sony and released a string of successful songs that catapulted her to international fame. Her breakthrough came with hits like Lush Life and Never Forget You, which showcased her talent for creating catchy pop anthems. Her collaboration with Clean Bandit on Symphony further solidified her place in the global music scene. Zara’s career skyrocketed, and she found herself in the midst of a whirlwind, performing at festivals, making music videos, and doing press tours. However, the fast-paced nature of the industry left her with doubts about sustaining her momentum.
With the demands of fame came meetings with stylists, choreographers, and songwriters, all focused on turning Zara into a marketable product. While she appreciated the efforts to help her career grow, Zara started to feel disconnected from the creative process. “I was writing my own songs, but I wasn’t always confident enough to let anyone hear them,” she admitted.
As she matured, however, Zara found herself more drawn to the artistry behind her music. The idea of achieving success through streaming numbers or sales alone was no longer fulfilling for her. “Getting a billion streams was never a dream when I was 10,” she explained. “To truly feel satisfied, I have to make something.” Her desire to be more involved in the creative aspects of her career has shaped the direction of her music as she moves forward.
Looking back on the early years of her career, Zara sometimes feels nostalgic for the purity of those initial experiences. There was an innocence and excitement in her performances that she now realizes are hard to recapture. “There’s something very beautiful about my enthusiasm,” she said of her younger self.
Over time, meeting other celebrities or performing at high-profile events has become routine, and the thrill that once accompanied those moments has faded. “We are people who are lucky to be doing the job that we are doing,” Zara remarked, acknowledging the privileges of her career while also recognizing the realities of long-term fame.
Throughout her journey, Zara has also experienced personal growth. As a teenager, she had a long-term relationship with another artist, which ultimately influenced her personal and professional life. Zara admits that during the relationship, she often felt like a side character in her own story.
Her ex-boyfriend’s desire to outdo her success created tension, and Zara eventually realized the importance of surrounding herself with people who genuinely supported her. Since then, she has been more mindful of the company she keeps, ensuring that those in her life celebrate her achievements rather than compete with them.
Today, Zara Larsson is a globally recognized pop star, known for her powerful voice, dynamic performances, and unapologetic personality. Her albums, including So Good, have been streamed billions of times, and she continues to make her mark on the music industry.
With her latest album Venus, Zara is embracing her evolution as an artist and looking forward to the next phase of her career. While her journey hasn’t always been easy, Zara’s resilience and passion for music have ensured that her star continues to shine brightly.
