Zara Maria Larsson was born on December 16, 1997, in Solna, Stockholm, Sweden, into a family with a modest background. Her mother, Agnetha Larsson, is a nursing assistant, and her father, Anders Larsson, is an officer. Zara faced a life-threatening challenge at birth, being born "dead" due to a lack of oxygen from a nuchal cord, but she miraculously survived. She grew up in Tallkrogen, Enskede, with her younger sister, Hanna, who later became a singer and a member of the band Lennix. Zara's passion for music was evident from an early age, inspired by legends like Carola Häggkvist and Whitney Houston. She attended the Gubbängsskolan and later the Royal Swedish Ballet School, showcasing her artistic inclinations early on. Her education continued at Kulturama, an art school in Stockholm, where she further honed her craft.

Career Beginnings

Larsson's musical journey began in earnest when she won the 2008 season of Talang, the Swedish version of Got Talent, at the tender age of 10. This victory not only brought her national fame but also set the stage for her future career. Her debut single, a cover of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," charted on the official Swedish Singles Chart, Sverigetopplistan, for six consecutive weeks. Despite her early success, Larsson faced challenges, including a trip to Los Angeles with manager Laila Bagge to meet with major record labels, which did not result in a contract due to her young age.

Rise to Fame

Larsson's career trajectory took a significant turn when she signed with TEN Music Group in 2012. Her debut EP, "Introducing," released in January 2013, featured the hit single "Uncover," which topped the charts in Scandinavia and was certified 6x platinum in Sweden. Her debut studio album, "1," followed in 2014, marking her as a rising star in Scandinavia. Larsson's international breakthrough came with her second studio album, "So Good," in 2017, which included hits like "Lush Life" and "Never Forget You," showcasing her global appeal.

Discography

Larsson's discography reflects her evolution as an artist, with albums including "1" (2014), "So Good" (2017), "Poster Girl" (2021), and "Venus" (2024). Each album marks a phase in her career, from her early beginnings to her establishment as a global pop sensation. Her music, characterized by a mix of pop, dance-pop, and electropop, resonates with a wide audience, earning her critical and commercial success.

Awards and Recognition

Larsson's talent and contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards, including four Grammis, four MTV European Music Awards, and eight Rockbjörnen. In 2023, she received a Bambi in the 'Music International' category, underscoring her impact on the international music scene.

Personal Life and Activism

Beyond her music, Larsson is known for her activism, particularly in support of feminism and against toxic masculinity. She has been vocal about her views on social media and in interviews, drawing inspiration from her parents and icons like Beyoncé. Larsson's personal life, including her relationships and her fashion collaboration with H&M, reflects her strong personality and commitment to her values.