Zara Larsson is officially kicking off a bold new era. The Swedish pop sensation released “Pretty Ugly,” the swaggering first single from her upcoming album, set for release later this year.
Written by Larsson alongside MNEK, Helena Gao, and Margo Wildman—and produced by Margo XS and MNEK—”Pretty Ugly” fuses fierce, cheerleader-style chants with a high-energy, club-ready beat. It’s a track that embraces messy feelings and chaotic confidence, all while delivering the kind of infectious hooks that have made Larsson a global pop force.
Directed by Charlotte Rutherford, the music video for “Pretty Ugly” cranks the chaos up even further. It opens with Larsson getting blasted backward by a towering wall of speakers, setting the tone for a riotous visual experience. She soon joins a squad of fierce dancers, delivering sharp choreography before the scene erupts into a playful, rain-soaked brawl. It’s a “bless your eyes” kind of video—wild, colorful, and impossible to look away from.
“Pretty Ugly” marks Larsson’s first major release of 2025, offering fans a thrilling glimpse into her next chapter. She’s no stranger to crafting pop anthems with emotional bite, and here she continues to show off her fearless versatility. While the track leans into a more chaotic, rowdy energy than some of her previous releases, it’s still rooted in the empowering spirit that defines much of her work.
In addition to new music, Larsson is gearing up to join Tate McRae on the road this summer for the Miss Possessive Tour. The North American run kicks off in Vancouver on August 4th and includes two nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City, among other major stops.
With “Pretty Ugly” leading the charge, it’s clear Zara Larsson is ready to make 2025 her most dynamic year yet. Expect big emotions, bigger visuals, and plenty more pop brilliance in the months ahead.
