Zara Larsson

Early Life

Zara Maria Larsson was born on December 16, 1997, in Solna, Stockholm, to Agnetha and Anders Larsson. She experienced a challenging start to life, having been born "dead" due to a lack of oxygen from a nuchal cord. Growing up in Tallkrogen, she was inspired by artists like Carola Häggkvist and Whitney Houston, and from a young age, she dreamed of achieving immortality through her music, much like Elvis Presley. Larsson attended the Royal Swedish Ballet School and later the art school Kulturama, where her passion for music flourished.

Career

Larsson's career took off at the tender age of 10 when she won the second season of the Swedish talent show "Talang" in 2008, performing Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On." This victory led to her debut single, which charted in Sweden. In 2012, she signed with TEN Music Group and released her first EP, "Introducing," featuring the hit single "Uncover," which topped charts in Sweden and Norway. Her debut album, "1," released in 2014, included popular tracks like "Carry You Home" and "Rooftop." Over the years, she has released several successful albums, including "So Good," "Poster Girl," and "VENUS," solidifying her status in the pop and dance-pop genres.

Personal Life and Activism

Beyond her music, Larsson is known for her outspoken views on social issues and her feminist activism, often drawing inspiration from Beyoncé. She has been involved in campaigns promoting sexual health awareness and has openly discussed her struggles with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Larsson has also made headlines for her candid remarks about gender representation in the music industry, particularly questioning the male-dominated line-ups at music festivals. Her personal life includes relationships with model Brian H. Whittaker and dancer Lamin Holmén, and she has also ventured into fashion with her own H&M collection in 2017.