The classic “Girl Next Door” look, characterized by trendy, casual outfits, defined Swedish singer and songwriter Zara Larsson’s style in the mid-2010s. Relatable, safe, and some might even say forgettable.
Almost a decade later, her image has exploded into an easily recognizable world full of sparkles, sequins, and nothing short of vibrant. Larsson is a prime example of how a silly yet extremely viral meme can reignite the spark that is a pop star’s career.
In the mid 2010’s, Larsson was on the track for stardom. Her Swedish debut EP, Introducing, had a remarkable kickstart, going platinum in Sweden. However, she was hungry for more.
In 2015, her song “Lush Life” was a massive hit, propelling her onto the global stage. By the time 2017 rolled around, she had emerged as an international popstar, with songs like “Ain’t my fault,” “Never Forget You,” and “Symphony” under her belt.
Unfortunately, as the late 2010s passed by, the momentum started to slip. Larsson failed to produce any major hits after her album, So Good, leading the public to eventually look away.
As social media platforms like TikTok started to grow in popularity, emerging artists, such as Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, and Olivia Rodrigo, seemed to keep the spotlight facing their way.
“Yeah, I had obviously heard all of her [Larsson] songs at the time, but I honestly never really knew they [were sung by] her. I never even knew her face,” sophomore Bella Gil comments.
Even after two more album releases, Poster Girl in 2021, and VENUS in 2024, the hype never really started up again. In other words, it was underwhelming. After all the buzz she had gotten just years prior, this loss defeated her. However, the unexpected happened.
In 2024, what started as an unserious meme showed Larsson aspects of stardom that her earlier career hadn’t even reached. Rainbow and dolphin visuals, paired with Zara Larsson and the musical group Clean Bandit’s 2016 hit “Symphony,” managed to do the impossible. Suddenly, her songs were, once again, everywhere.
As the momentum picked up, Larsson released her latest album, Midnight Sun. Leaning into the ridiculous meme, she had rebranded.
Her outfits swiftly turned into colorful, striking pieces, with airbrush-painted tops, whimsical sequined skirts, and makeup looks that ranged from every color of the rainbow. The very platform that played a role in the fading away of her brand had somehow breathed life right back into it.
In addition to all of this, during her Midnight Sun tour, a fan on TikTok took one of their favorite songs, “Lush Life,” and choreographed a routine that skyrocketed Larsson’s success even further.
As it reached every corner of the internet, the popstar herself took notice, even going as far as integrating it into her official tour choreography. This further connected her fans, inviting the luckiest ones on stage to perform with her.
Freshman Kayleigh Willoughby states, “I actually like her new songs. I’m literally always getting TikToks about her tour, so I’m actually starting to get more interested in her music.”
This new success is not limited to only TikTok recognition, as the star got her first 2026 Grammy nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording. This milestone helped give her the industry credibility that she had been searching for
Clearly, success is not always a clean road, especially in the fast-moving world that is the entertainment industry. However, Zara Larsson’s ability to adapt and maintain hope in the industry is what pushed her right back into the spotlight. It’s not just rebranding, but the act of following your dream, no matter how unfeasible it may seem, that makes it all so worth it.
