Zara Larsson will not be submitted for the Best New Artist category at the Grammy Awards, according to statements from the singer reported by Perfect Magazine. Despite her fifth studio album, Midnight Sun, placing within the eligibility window for the 2027 Grammy Awards following its September 2025 release, Larsson rejected her former label Epic Records’ idea to pursue the category, stating that it would downplay her thirteen years in the music industry.
Grammy Eligibility Technicalities and Prior Nominations
While Larsson pushed back against the Best New Artist submission on personal grounds, official Recording Academy rules also rendered her ineligible due to a prior nomination. According to Recording Academy guidelines, artists cannot have been previously nominated as a performer — whether as a solo act or as part of a group — even if they haven’t been nominated in the Best New Artist Category. Larsson earned her first Grammy nomination in the Best Dance Pop Recording category for the title track “Midnight Sun” at the 2026 Grammy Awards, competing against Selena Gomez, PinkPantheress, Tate McRae, and Lady Gaga.
That 2026 nomination effectively closed the door on a Best New Artist appearance for the 2027 ceremony, regardless of her label’s initial discussions. In June, the Recording Academy amended its rules to allow artists a maximum of four submissions in the Best New Artist category, up from three, but the prior-nomination restriction remains absolute for performers like Larsson.
Label Shift and Career Milestones
The Grammy discussions arrived during a period of major professional transition for the Swedish pop star. In July, Larsson signed a new record deal with RCA Records, officially parting ways with Epic Records after more than a decade. This move aligns her with a broader industry trend of established artists refreshing their label partnerships, joining acts like Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, and Lorde.
Larsson’s commercial momentum built steadily throughout the eligibility period. Her collaboration with PinkPantheress on “Stateside” and the success of “Midnight Sun” both reached the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2026, while the remix of “Stateside” featured on the album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200. Furthermore, Larsson received Billboard’s Women in Music Breakthrough Award alongside American Music Awards for Breakthrough Album and Collaboration.
Did You Know?
Zara Larsson first gained widespread public recognition at age 10 by winning Sweden’s Talang in 2008, long before her international breakthrough hits like “Lush Life” and “Never Forget You” landed on global charts in the mid-2010s.
Redefining Career Success Beyond Awards
Rather than focusing on Grammy gold or industry categorizations, Larsson measures her career achievements through fan engagement and live performances. In her interview with Perfect Magazine, she emphasized that her ultimate ambition is a stadium world tour.
“The older I get, it’s becoming clearer and clearer to me that my passion and what I really care about is people coming to my shows,” Larsson told Perfect Magazine. She highlighted the community built around Midnight Sun, noting the audience participation with outfits, colors, and glitter as the true marker of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Zara Larsson ineligible for Best New Artist at the Grammys?
According to Recording Academy rules, artists cannot have been previously nominated as a performer — whether as a solo act or as part of a group — even if they haven’t been nominated in the Best New Artist Category. Larsson was previously nominated for Best Dance Pop Recording for “Midnight Sun” at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
When was Zara Larsson’s album Midnight Sun released?
Midnight Sun was released in September 2025, placing it within the eligibility window for the 2027 Grammy Awards.
Which record label does Zara Larsson currently work with?
Larsson signed a new deal with RCA Records in July, ending a more than a decade-long partnership with Epic Records.
What are your thoughts on Grammy eligibility rules for artists with long careers? Do you agree that the industry needs a dedicated category for mid-career breakthrough acts? Join the conversation in the comments below, explore our latest music industry reports, and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates!