Zara Larsson has suggested she’s pulled the plug on her December 3 performance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by stating she was pulling out – then deleting the comment and posting a longer explanation about why the show no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish singer had been booked to perform at Etihad Live on Yas Island as part of the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, with Zara and Lewis Capaldi set to open the weekend’s festivities. But fans began urging her to reconsider the appearance, citing concerns about the United Arab Emirates’ alleged links to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group accused of atrocities during the country’s civil conflict.
One fan wrote: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara replied: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” However, fans noticed the posts had disappeared.
She later explained that she had been reflecting on what performing in certain countries means for her as an artist.
The Midnight Sun hitmaker said: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara admitted her earlier reply “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but said she has spent time thinking about the booking and now feels stepping away is the choice that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She added: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
