Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
Fontaines D.C. have shared the complete tracklist for their eagerly awaited fifth studio album, Dopamine Chamber, which arrives on 16 October 2026 through XL Recordings. Produced by James Ford, the 11 song project will feature the group’s first guest collaboration, with global pop star ROSALÍA appearing on ‘Where Is Gone?’.
The new record follows their UK platinum certified 2024 album Romance and marks a clear move beyond the guitar focused sound heard throughout much of the Irish five piece’s previous work. Instead, the band explores a more alluring musical direction shaped by electronic elements. Created in London, the English countryside, and Palermo, the album delves into pleasure, danger, and what it means to be human in the modern world. Frontman Grian Chatten called the project a conceptual experiment that draws listeners into an atmosphere designed to alter their mood.
Lead single ‘Marianne’ offers the first taste of the album, which contains 11 original tracks: ‘Six Shot Morning’, ‘Marianne’, ‘Mimesis’, ‘Happy For You’, ‘Demolition’, ‘Tongue’, ‘One Man’, ‘Where Is Gone?’ featuring ROSALÍA, ‘You Miss Me’, ‘Japan’, and ‘Intimate’. Dopamine Chamber will be released on standard and deluxe vinyl, CD, cassette, and all major digital platforms.
News of the album arrives while the Dublin band continues an extensive schedule of shows around the world. After completing sold out arena tours throughout North America, Europe, and the UK in late 2026, including major appearances at London’s O2 Arena and Manchester’s AO Arena, Fontaines D.C. will begin performing at outdoor stadiums during summer 2027.
Their 2027 summer schedule includes two headline concerts at Ireland’s Slane Castle on 26 and 27 June. The band will then play major shows at Cardiff’s Blackweir Fields, Newcastle’s St James’ Park, Manchester’s Heaton Park, Glasgow Green, and London Stadium, where they will headline on 9 July.
Dopamine Chamber can now be preordered, while ‘Marianne’ is available to hear on all leading streaming platforms.
