Zara Larsson gets real about female empowerment in pop, opening up on the supportive energy she feels among women in today’s music scene. The Swedish star talks about working with PinkPantheress, the power of solidarity, and why competition has no place in modern pop
Zara Larsson has always been more than a pop star — she’s a voice for connection, confidence, and community. At 28, the Swedish singer behind global hits like “Lush Life” and “Never Forget You” is not just topping charts; she’s helping redefine what sisterhood in pop looks like.
Speaking backstage at the Z100 Jingle Ball in New York, Larsson radiated optimism when asked about the current atmosphere among female artists. “There’s so much warmth between us,” she said. “People might think the music industry is all competition and ego, but behind the scenes, there’s a lot of love and support.”
It’s not just talk. Larsson’s recent collaborations with artists like Tate McRae, Muni Long, and PinkPantheress are proof of that unity. To her, working with other women feels completely natural — even necessary. “When we support each other, everyone wins,” she said with a smile. “It’s how we make the industry healthier and stronger.”
One of her most talked-about collabs of the year — the “Stateside” remix with PinkPantheress — happened almost by accident. As Zara tells it, the whole thing began with a simple Instagram DM. “I sent her a message that literally just said ‘Queen’,” she laughed. “Two days later, she wrote back asking if I wanted to be part of the remix. I said yes instantly. I recorded my part that same night, sent it off, and four days later, it was out. It all happened so fast — but in the best way.”
That remix later became part of PinkPantheress’s Fancy Some More? project, featuring names like Kylie Minogue, Bladee, and Groove Armada. Zara admitted she was nervous her version wouldn’t make the final cut, but when she saw how diverse the tracklist was, she felt thrilled to be part of such an eclectic collaboration.
Larsson lights up when she talks about PinkPantheress. “She’s insanely talented, funny, smart, and totally herself,” Zara said. “She doesn’t try to impress anyone — and that’s exactly why she stands out.”
The remix was recorded in the middle of the U.S., during Zara’s run as the opening act on Tate McRae’s Miss Possessive Tour. Touring alongside other young women, she said, reminded her how inspiring it is to see female artists build each other up rather than compete. “It’s like being part of a creative circle — we’re all learning from each other and pushing each other to do better.”
To Larsson, this new generation of pop feels different — more collaborative, more authentic, more human. “For the first time, it really feels like there’s space for everyone,” she said. “You don’t have to fight your way to the top by tearing someone else down. There’s enough light for all of us.”
That message of unity runs deep in everything she does. Whether she’s posting encouragement to fellow artists online or shouting out other women in interviews, Larsson uses her platform to spread genuine positivity. “Sometimes I just send a message to another singer saying ‘queen’ or ‘love you,’” she said. “There’s no agenda — I just want them to know I see them and I appreciate what they do.”
It’s this quiet yet powerful energy that defines her — a kind of leadership rooted not in dominance, but in empathy. “I think women in pop today are showing the world what collaboration really looks like,” she explained. “We’re not competing; we’re celebrating each other. That’s what makes it special.”
Zara’s attitude reflects a bigger cultural shift happening in pop right now. From Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo to Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande, female artists are openly celebrating each other’s success — something that used to feel rare in an industry built on rivalry.
Her perspective isn’t just refreshing — it’s necessary. The pop world, historically dominated by narratives of competition, is slowly transforming into a network of shared creativity. “There’s so much power in kindness,” Zara said. “And when women come together in music, it’s unstoppable.”
Beyond the studio, her own career continues to evolve. With new music on the way, Larsson’s artistic direction feels more confident than ever. Her songs now blend playful energy with emotional honesty, capturing both her pop roots and her growing maturity as a songwriter.
But what stands out most about Zara Larsson today isn’t just her sound — it’s her spirit. She’s part of a movement rewriting what it means to be a woman in pop: less about competition, more about collaboration; less about perfection, more about connection.
In a world that often tries to pit artists against one another, Zara is choosing the opposite — to celebrate, uplift, and build. “Music is supposed to bring people together,” she said. “And right now, that’s exactly what it’s doing.”
As she continues to craft new songs and explore new partnerships, it’s clear that Larsson’s message is resonating far beyond the stage. Pop’s new era feels brighter, bolder, and, as she beautifully put it, “warmer.”
And if Zara Larsson has anything to do with it, that warmth isn’t going anywhere.
