Zara Larsson has expressed her admiration for young Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu after the latter delivered an emotional performance at the Olympic figure skating exhibition gala. Liu, aged 20, captivated audiences on February 21 with her rendition of the track “Stateside,” co-performed by Larsson and fellow artist PinkPantheress. This standout performance occurred just two days after Liu secured a gold medal in the figure skating finals, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
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In the days following the exhibition, Larsson, 28, shared her heartfelt reaction to Liu’s display during an interaction with fans in Portland. As part of her preparations for her Midnight Sun Tour, Larsson expressed a desire to collaborate with Liu in a live setting. She mentioned her excitement about the possibility, referencing Liu’s recent triumph and emotional performance that resonated deeply with her.
“I would love to bring her on stage with me,” Larsson said, as captured in a fan video circulated on Instagram. “I’m trying to figure out how to make it happen since she couldn’t attend the Oakland show where she lives.” Larsson’s eagerness to include Liu in her tour reflects not only her appreciation for Liu’s talent but also a broader connection between the worlds of music and sports.
Larsson went on to convey the impact Liu’s performance had on her personally. “When I saw her perform, it just brought me to tears. The more I watched it, the more emotional I got,” she shared, highlighting how inspiring it was to witness Liu doing something she loves so passionately. The Swedish pop star articulated that Liu’s execution felt natural and beautiful, and it resonated with many viewers.
The bond between the two artists appears to be growing, with Larsson indicating that she would love to meet Liu in person, either for a collaborative performance or simply for a casual visit. The pop singer’s excitement continued as she mentioned that Liu had even gifted her brother tickets to one of her shows for Christmas, suggesting a personal connection amid their burgeoning professional rapport.
Liu’s performance, which notably featured Larsson’s song, has led to significant attention for “Stateside.” Following the exhibition, the track enjoyed a brief stint at number one on the U.S. Spotify chart, and it currently holds the number two position on both the U.S. and global charts. The success of the song has likely been bolstered by the viral nature of Liu’s routine and the subsequent discussion it has generated on social media.
Both Larsson and PinkPantheress have demonstrated their support for Liu online, with Larsson sharing her reaction via TikTok and PinkPantheress taking to her platform to express her enthusiasm, posting a video of herself dancing to the song with a joyful message, “We love you Alysa Liu!!!”
As the Midnight Sun Tour progresses, with its next stop set for Oakland on March 3, anticipation builds for Larsson’s performance and potential collaborations. The Swedish artist’s ongoing success alongside Liu’s achievements may pave the way for further intersections between the music industry and the sporting arena, highlighting the inspirational power of both art forms.
As the excitement unfolds, fans of both artists are left eagerly awaiting the possibilities that may arise from their respective careers, united through the shared experience of Liu’s poignant and viral Olympic performance. The coming weeks will reveal whether Larsson’s hopes for a collaboration come to fruition, marking yet another chapter in the dynamic relationship between contemporary music and competitive sport.