Pop singer Zara Larsson has told her team she will not be considered for Best New Artist at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
The Swedish artist insisted that while her music gained widespread attention during summer 2026, she is not an emerging performer. Speaking about her position, Larsson said that entering the category would detract from her 13 years of work in the music industry.
The discussion comes as the 2027 Grammy Awards generate debate across the music business, following recent controversies surrounding K-pop categories and candidate eligibility rules. In an interview with Perfect Magazine, Larsson described her current phase as a decisive moment in her career, driven by the chart resurgence of her single Lush Life and the breakout success of Midnight Sun.
The Grammy Awards are presented annually by the Recording Academy in the United States to honor outstanding achievements in the music industry. The Best New Artist award is one of the four major general categories at the ceremony, intended to recognize performers who break into the public consciousness.
Scandinavian hits and label discussions
Larsson noted that her international career began in Scandinavia after scoring a major success with her debut song Uncover. She followed the release with global hit singles, including Lush Life and Never Forget You.
Despite those early chart successes, Larsson explained that her previous hit songs did not feel connected to her overall artistic identity. She revealed that when her former record label proposed submitting her for Best New Artist at the Grammys, she immediately rejected the idea.
Larsson emphasized that she has been working continuously in music since 2008. She stated that reaching a broader mainstream audience in 2026 is distinct from starting a career, and accepting an emerging artist designation would misrepresent her history.
Creative independence on Midnight Sun
Reflecting on her career evolution, Larsson said she has gained full control over her music and visual presentation. Having signed her first record deal at age 13, she recalled that executives often handed her songs to record, leaving her uncertain about her own musical direction.
The singer credited her shift in confidence to partnering with her friend Vendela Hyde, who now manages her representation. For Midnight Sun, Larsson wrote every track alongside a small team of collaborators and worked with director Charlotte Rutherford to design the visual aesthetic of the project.
Larsson added that she took charge of technical details she previously felt unqualified to manage, including stage lighting programming. She noted that performers do not need specialized technical knowledge to exert creative control over their live shows.
Industry history and musical collaborations
Throughout her career, Larsson has maintained a prominent profile through major collaborations and public appearances. She previously recorded a project with Colombian pop star Shakira, later praising the artist for her humility and warmth during their work together.
Larsson also dismissed long-running rumors suggesting she was slated to replace Camila Cabello in the American pop group Fifth Harmony, clarifying that she does not join musical groups. Additionally, Larsson shared a memorable backstage gesture during a tour, offering support and hugs to a group of young people affected by cancer.
