Zara Larsson, the Swedish pop sensation, has surged back into the spotlight thanks to a viral TikTok meme featuring her hit song “Symphony.” Originally released in 2017 as a collaboration with Clean Bandit, the track has regained popularity in 2024, claiming the top spot on the Billboard TikTok chart. This resurgence comes after a challenging period in Larsson’s career, often referred to as her “flop” era.
The meme, characterized by colorful dolphin imagery and humorous captions, has sparked a wave of interest that Larsson embraced wholeheartedly. In a TikTok video that amassed over 3.5 million likes, she humorously acknowledged the trend, stating, “Trying to think of ways to milk this dolphin trend so I can sell out my US tour.” This playful engagement with her audience has helped her reconnect with fans and breathe new life into her career.
Rebranding with a Splash of Color
As the dolphin meme took off, Larsson adopted a new aesthetic that resonated with the vibrant visuals from the meme. Her performances of “Symphony” at various concerts in 2024 featured the rainbow dolphin imagery prominently, turning the meme into a key part of her stage presence. This visual rebranding extended to her overall look, drawing inspiration from popular culture icons like Barbie in a Mermaid Tale.
Larsson’s new style includes bold, colorful makeup, shimmering ocean-themed outfits, and her signature beachy blonde hair. The release of her summer single, “Midnight Sun,” in June 2025, accompanied by the announcement of an album of the same name, marks a significant step in her artistic evolution. The album will feature a collaboration with renowned artist Lisa Frank, known for her distinctive rainbow art, which aligns perfectly with Larsson’s reimagined brand.
Chart-Topping Hits and Viral Dance Moves
The success of “Symphony” has been complemented by the revival of “Lush Life,” a track that originally debuted nearly 11 years ago. With a fresh dance routine accompanying the song, it has catapulted back onto charts worldwide, generating discussions about the effects of social media on the music industry. Larsson’s choreography has become a viral sensation, inspiring fans to create their own dance videos.
During her live shows, Larsson has taken the engagement a step further by inviting fans onstage to perform the dance alongside her, creating memorable experiences for her audience. She has also gifted fans with custom t-shirts during performances, further enhancing her connection with supporters.
As the pop landscape sees a resurgence of Y2K-inspired aesthetics, Larsson is poised to influence current trends significantly. Her evolving style and growing popularity echo similar trajectories of artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX, who have also seen past hits gain renewed interest due to contemporary successes.
Larsson’s collaboration with PinkPantheress on a remix of “Stateside” has also contributed to her ongoing success as she continues her Midnight Sun tour. With the rise of influencers like Addison Rae, who transitioned from viral fame to festival headliner, betting on Zara Larsson as the next major pop figure seems increasingly likely.
As she builds on this momentum, Larsson’s earlier work, once overlooked, may finally receive the recognition it deserves, solidifying her status in the ever-evolving music industry landscape.
