How Zara Larsson turned the Swedish summer into a global pop sensation
In short: Inspired by the endless daylight of her Swedish roots, Zara Larsson's 'Midnight Sun' has become a massive international hit. Blending hyperpop with drum and bass, the track has dominated charts from Sweden to the United States, earning the singer her very first Grammy nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording.
Published via Epic Records and Sommer House on 13 June 2025, 'Midnight Sun' acts as the second single from Larsson's fifth studio album. The track is a genre-blending production, incorporating elements of drum and bass, electropop, hyperpop, and Jersey club. Critics, including those at Rolling Stone, have noted its ability to teeter between being ebullient and delirious, driven by energetic breakbeats and atmospheric synths.
The concept is deeply personal to Larsson, who sought to capture the essence of a Swedish summer where the sun never sets. She expressed pride in her Swedish pop heritage, aiming to create an album that feels like an eternal summer night that persists regardless of the month. This thematic focus helped the song achieve significant commercial success across multiple territories.
The track's impact is evidenced by its chart performance and industry recognition. In Sweden, it reached number four on the Sverigetopplistan, marking Larsson's twentieth top ten entry in her home country. The track hit the top 10 in the United Kingdom and Canada, while peaking within the top 20 in the United States, Ireland, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Notably, the song earned Larsson her first Grammy nomination at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Dance Pop Recording.
The song's longevity was further extended through strategic remixes. A version with American singer Muni Long arrived on 14 November 2025, followed by a remix featuring British musician PinkPantheress on 1 May 2026. This latter release, part of the 'Midnight Sun: Girls Trip' remix album, helped propel the original version to a new peak of number seven on the UK Singles Chart.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Midnight Sun (Zara Larsson song)
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