Live Lounge month: Five questions for Zara Larsson
- Published
Zara Larsson says she feels "comfortable and confident" in the year that's seen her breakthrough in the UK.
Already a major star in her native Sweden, both Lush Life and Never Forget You (with MNEK) have now been hits in Britain.
She says the UK has been "so supportive" of her music.
The 18-year-old won Sweden's Got Talent in 2008 and has since scored several Swedish number ones.
She's now preparing to release an album in the UK.
After performing her current single Ain't My Fault and a Drake and Rihanna cover in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, we sat down with her to ask her five essential questions.
Which song by another artist do you wish you'd written?
"It's one of the classics. Probably Michael Jackson's Thriller or Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
"I live in a house where my mum and dad don't sing.
"They're not allowed to because they can't and it hurts my ears. But they played a lot of music so Queen and Michael Jackson were part of my childhood.
"I bet everyone knows one or two songs by them. They're legends."
Where was your first gig and how many people were there?
"The first gig where people bought tickets to see me was when I was 10 or 11.
"I participated in the Swedish version of Britain's Got Talent so I think it was about 300 people. Most of them were my relatives and friends.
"I was so nervous. I think I was sick too. My voice was hoarse but I had a great time."
What's been your most surreal fan experience?
"I think it's brilliant when I see people liking my Instagram and Twitter who I've loved for a while. It's amazing to think that they know you exist.
"The first person who was a real 'wow moment' was Sam Smith because he posted the Never Forget You artwork very early on and wrote that it was an amazing song.
"I'm a huge fan so I was close to tears. I really fangirled.
"The only person I'd cry if I met would be Beyonce. I was crying all through her concert."
Sam Smith is a big fan of Zara's track with MNEK called Never Forget You
When was your last day off and what did you do with it?
"I actually can't remember. It would have been in my home back in Sweden.
"If I have a day off I'll get up at three in the afternoon and make some noodles. I fix my make up and then party until 5am.
"I like to spend as much time with my friends and family as possible."
What is the one thing - apart from your phone or wallet - that you need to have with you at all times?
"I wear jewellery that I never take off. I have a ring and two necklaces.
"I always have them on and get scared when I have to take them off for photoshoots.
"The ring is my mum's mum's mum's and she gave it to me for my 18th birthday. The necklace is the same one that my sister has. She's called Hannah and the name is the chain."
Zara performed a cover of Rihanna and Drake's Too Good
Watch all the performances from Live Lounge month here.
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