Zara Larsson’s ‘Midnight Sun’ Charts a 2016 Revival
Zara Larsson has made a significant comeback in the music industry, marking a revival reminiscent of her early career. As of February 7, 2026, she has three songs on the Billboard Hot 100: “Stateside” featuring PinkPantheress at No. 30, “Lush Life” at No. 36, and “Midnight Sun” at No. 69. This milestone places her alongside Taylor Swift, both with three concurrent hits, and just behind Olivia Dean, who has five songs on the chart.
Zara Larsson: From Rising Star to Pop Icon
In 2016, Zara was on the rise, achieving three Hot 100 hits as a 17-year-old. Her breakout singles included “Never Forget You,” “Lush Life,” and “Ain’t My Fault.” That same year, she earned recognition as one of TIME’s 30 most influential teens and opened for Beyoncé at Wembley Stadium.
Zara’s journey began even earlier. At just 10 years old, she won the Swedish version of America’s Got Talent. By 2012, her debut EP, featuring “Uncover,” had reached No. 1 in Sweden. After signing with Epic Records in 2013, she began her U.S. crossover with “Lush Life,” which became a pivotal track from her debut international studio album, *So Good*.
Revival through Social Media Trends
Despite challenges in gaining attention in the U.S. market for several years, her career saw a resurgence thanks to TikTok. In 2024, a meme based on her song “Symphony” gained popularity. Users humorously juxtaposed the song’s euphoric hook with illustrations of dolphins, leading to viral traction that motivated Zara to engage with the trend during her 2024 Venus Tour.
The Launch of *Midnight Sun* and Successful Singles
In April 2025, Zara released her fifth studio album, *Midnight Sun*, with “Pretty Ugly” as its lead single. However, the title track, “Midnight Sun,” which came out on June 13, propelled her into a new phase of her career. This single is characterized by an engaging hook and a visually vibrant music video that pays homage to the original dolphin meme.
- Album: *Midnight Sun*
- Lead Single: “Pretty Ugly”
- Title Track Release Date: June 13, 2025
- Music Video Theme: Dolphin Meme Aesthetics
Zara integrated this theme during her performances on the Miss Possessive World Tour, which she opened for Tate McRae. Following her tours, Zara’s music continued to climb the charts.
Grammy Nomination and Chart Success
On November 7, 2026, Zara received her first Grammy nomination for “Midnight Sun,” recognized in the best dance pop recording category. Just days later, she celebrated a live performance that spurred a viral dance trend for her hit “Lush Life.” By January 17, 2027, this single re-entered the Billboard Hot 100.
With “Stateside” entering the chart at No. 100 and rapidly climbing to the top 30, Zara’s hits benefit greatly from a visually engaging music video alongside PinkPantheress, which showcases both artists’ distinctive styles.
The Road Ahead for Zara Larsson
Zara’s successful trajectory reflects her ability to combine nostalgia for 2016 with her pop influence in today’s market. As she prepares for the American leg of her *Midnight Sun* Tour, expectations for her continued success remain high. With her latest album set to be eligible for recognition at the 2027 Grammy Awards, Zara Larsson’s position as a leading figure in pop music seems more robust than ever.
