Zara Larsson’s ‘Midnight Sun’ Is the Queer Summer Anthem We’ve Been Waiting For
Zara Larsson’s “Midnight Sun” is heating up queer playlists with vocals as dazzling as the visuals.
Zara Larsson is entering her glitter-pop goddess era with “Midnight Sun,” a euphoric new single already glowing bright across queer corners of the internet. The track, which serves as the title song for her upcoming fourth album, taps into something beautifully specific, an endless Swedish summer where the sun never sets and emotions run high.
Directed by Charlotte Rutherford, the music video for “Midnight Sun” turns that sentiment into pure visual serotonin. Think Y2K glam with a Northern European twist: hyperreal hues, dreamy nostalgia, and outfits that Paris Hilton would’ve rocked on a beach in 2003.
A Scandinavian Summer, But Make It Eternal
Larsson, who co-wrote the song with MNEK, Margo XS, Zhone, and Helena Gao, explains that “Midnight Sun” is a deeply personal love letter to her heritage.
“I really am proud of my Swedish pop heritage,” she said. “So I wanted to write about a Swedish summer where the sun never goes down… The summer night will be there for you, it’s waiting for you, and you will come back for it.”
It’s more than a metaphor. Larsson captures a wistful warmth that transcends seasonal sadness. It’s escapism, yes, but rooted in something honest. The track’s shimmering production and tender lyrics tap into a universal longing: for light, for joy, for yourself.
The full Midnight Sun album is set to drop on September 26 via Sommer House/Epic Records, and will be available in both digital and physical formats. A Queer Favorite in the Making
Queer fans have latched onto “Midnight Sun” as more than just a catchy bop, it’s a whole mood. The song’s themes of return, resilience, and radiance feel tailor-made for those who’ve weathered their own internal winters. The music video, with its retro-futurist styling, Y2K flair, and glittery drama, only deepens the appeal.
From Instagram story reshares to TikTok edits, “Midnight Sun” is already being heralded as a “seasonal depression antidote” and “the sonic equivalent of queer joy.” And now, Larsson’s live vocals are giving fans even more reason to stan. Vocal Perfection, Live and Unfiltered
During a recent live performance, Larsson nailed the song’s soaring vocal run with ease, proving that the studio magic is backed by serious talent.
Clips from the performance quickly made the rounds online, with fans calling her vocals “angelic,” “otherworldly,” and “criminally underrated.”
“oh the superstar you are zara,” one fan tweeted.
“Zara slid on that vocal run like butter,” another commented, complete with a burning fire and sunset emoji.
Even casual listeners were left stunned by her control and power, especially in a pop landscape where live vocals can be hit or miss. Midnight Tour Mode Activated
Zara Larsson is set to take “Midnight Sun” on the road this August, beginning with a North American tour leg alongside fellow pop powerhouse Tate McRae. She’ll follow that up with European dates in the fall and an Australia–New Zealand run in early 2026 with OneRepublic.
With a song this luminous—and a vocal performance to match—it’s clear Larsson is embracing her moment. And if “Midnight Sun” is any indication, this era might just be her most radiant yet.