Seeing Zara Larsson live is an experience that perfectly blends energy, charisma, and undeniable vocal talent. Opening for Tate McRae at a sold-out venue in Orlando, Florida, in September 2025, Zara came on stage with a level of confidence and stage presence that immediately drew the audience in. From the first note, it was clear that this was more than just a supporting act—this was a moment for her to showcase why she has become one of pop’s most compelling performers. Her set carried a mixture of high-energy dance hits, vulnerable ballads, and even a few unexpected surprises that highlighted her versatility as a performer. The crowd, buzzing with anticipation for Tate McRae, quickly turned their attention to Zara as she proved she could command the stage all on her own.
The show kicked off with “Pretty Ugly,” a song that sets the tone perfectly for a night full of attitude and empowerment. Zara’s voice immediately cut through the venue with clarity and precision, her vocals effortlessly riding the energetic beat. The performance included tight choreography, and her connection with the audience was palpable as fans sang along with every line. There’s an electric chemistry when a performer can not only deliver their songs but also make every listener feel like they’re part of the show, and Zara has that in spades.
Following that, she transitioned into “Ain’t My Fault,” a song that allowed her to really flex her vocal range while keeping the energy high. The audience was on their feet, singing every word back to her. The performance was tight, polished, and full of little moments of flair—subtle vocal runs, confident gestures, and playful engagement with the crowd that made it clear she was having as much fun as we were. Watching her perform a song with such a strong message about empowerment felt even more impactful live, as the audience responded not just with enthusiasm but with a sense of shared celebration.
“Hot & Sexy” brought the dance factor to a new level. Zara’s choreography here was slick and precise, perfectly complementing the song’s playful and confident vibe. The lighting accentuated her movements, with bright, flashing visuals that mirrored the high-energy beats, giving the performance an almost cinematic quality. At this point in the show, it was evident that Zara’s stage presence is magnetic—every move feels intentional, and every moment on stage feels like a performance carefully crafted to entertain and connect with the audience.
“Ammunition” slowed things down slightly, offering a chance for the crowd to focus on Zara’s vocal prowess. The song’s emotional depth really shone in a live setting. She played with dynamics beautifully, starting soft and building toward powerful choruses that had the audience swaying and singing along. It’s in moments like this that her versatility becomes most apparent—she can dominate a dancefloor with high-energy numbers and then pull listeners in with emotional resonance, making each song feel distinct yet cohesive within the set.
One of the night’s most surprising moments was her cover of Britney Spears’ “Gimme More.” While a bold choice for a live performance, Zara made it her own, infusing it with a slightly modernized edge and incorporating subtle vocal improvisation that elevated the song beyond nostalgia. The crowd erupted, not only at the familiarity of the classic hit but also at her confident ownership of it. It was a reminder that Zara isn’t afraid to take risks on stage and that she can reinvent a song while keeping its essence intact.
After that, the pace picked up again with “Wow,” a song that had the entire audience moving. Her vocal control was impeccable, navigating the song’s rapid-fire phrasing and high notes effortlessly. The energy in the room was contagious, and it felt like every fan in attendance was collectively part of the performance. There’s something infectious about Zara’s enthusiasm—she’s clearly enjoying herself, and that excitement translates to the audience in a way that makes every song feel like a shared celebration.
“Lush Life” followed, giving fans another opportunity to sing along to one of her biggest hits. The performance here was vibrant, filled with dynamic vocal runs, playful stage antics, and moments where Zara interacted directly with the audience. She clearly understands how to pace a live show, mixing her biggest hits with deeper cuts to maintain momentum while also creating an intimate connection with her fans. “Lush Life” felt like a culmination of all the energy she had built up over the first half of the set—a joyful, confident, and thoroughly entertaining performance.
“Midnight Sun” and “On My Love” allowed Zara to shift the energy slightly, showcasing her ability to convey emotion through song. Both performances highlighted her range and depth as a vocalist, providing contrast to the high-energy tracks earlier in the set. These moments were especially compelling because they allowed the audience to catch their breath while still being captivated by her presence. The subtle stage lighting and minimalist choreography during these songs drew attention to her voice, emphasizing the quality of her delivery and the sincerity behind the lyrics.
“Ruin My Life” reignited the crowd’s energy, with fans singing along passionately. The song’s narrative about heartbreak and resilience felt amplified in a live setting, giving Zara a chance to channel emotion through movement and vocal performance simultaneously. She balanced vulnerability and power perfectly, reminding everyone why her songs resonate on both personal and universal levels. “Crush” followed seamlessly, blending flirtatious energy with playful stagecraft. The audience was fully engaged, responding to every beat and gesture, creating a feedback loop of excitement that drove the set forward.
“Never Forget You” and “Symphony” closed out her set in spectacular fashion. Both songs were executed with a mix of precision, emotion, and fan interaction that left the audience buzzing. “Never Forget You” had fans singing every lyric, while “Symphony,” a cover of the Clean Bandit hit, showcased her ability to tackle complex vocal arrangements while maintaining her signature style. The final moments of the set were a perfect encapsulation of her versatility, leaving the crowd energized, satisfied, and clearly impressed by her performance.
Throughout the set, Zara demonstrated an innate understanding of pacing, energy, and audience engagement. She knows how to balance high-energy dance tracks with emotionally resonant songs, how to intersperse hits with unexpected covers, and how to make every fan feel included in the experience. Her choreography, while precise, never feels forced, and her vocal delivery is consistently strong, with subtle improvisations and expressive flourishes that keep each performance fresh. Opening for Tate McRae could have been a challenge in terms of commanding attention, but Zara more than held her own, leaving a memorable impression that likely converted casual listeners into devoted fans.
In addition to her musical and performance skills, Zara’s charisma on stage was a key element of the night. She engaged directly with fans, moving through the audience during select songs, making eye contact, and creating moments of intimacy that contrasted nicely with the large-scale production. Her wardrobe choices, lighting, and stage setup complemented her energetic and playful style without overshadowing the music. Every element of the show felt cohesive, intentional, and geared toward creating an immersive, unforgettable experience for the audience.
The setlist itself was carefully curated, balancing hits like “Lush Life” and “Never Forget You” with newer tracks like “Midnight Sun” and fan favorites like “Pretty Ugly” and “Ain’t My Fault.” The inclusion of covers such as “Gimme More” and “Symphony” was a smart move, offering both nostalgia and showcasing her versatility. Each song flowed naturally into the next, maintaining momentum while allowing for moments of reflection and audience interaction. The pacing of the show was spot-on, keeping energy levels high while strategically using slower songs to create contrast and emotional depth.
Ultimately, Zara Larsson’s performance in Orlando was a showcase of talent, charisma, and thoughtful artistry. She proved that she can not only perform her hits flawlessly but also command a stage, connect with an audience, and make a lasting impression as a live artist. Her ability to blend high-energy pop, emotional ballads, and clever covers demonstrates a range that is rare in contemporary pop performers. For anyone attending the show, it was clear that Zara is not just a supporting act; she is a formidable performer in her own right, capable of creating memorable, engaging, and dynamic live experiences.
Zara’s Orlando set may have been as an opener, but it stood out as a masterclass in how to captivate an audience. Her stage presence, vocal ability, and carefully curated setlist all contributed to a night that was both entertaining and impressive. Fans left energized, singing along to hits, buzzing from covers, and talking about her performance well after the final note. She proved that she can take any stage, no matter the circumstances, and turn it into a showcase for her talent, charisma, and artistry. In every sense, Zara Larsson’s performance in Orlando was a reminder of why she continues to be one of the most exciting and dynamic performers in pop music today.
Setlist:
Pretty Ugly
Ain’t My Fault
Hot & Sexy
Ammunition
Gimme More (Britney Spears cover)
Wow
Lush Life
Midnight Sun
On My Love
Ruin My Life
Crush
Never Forget You
Symphony (Clean Bandit cover)