Zara Larsson reveals why she’s performing at universities across America

Zara Larsson has revealed a candid and unexpected reason behind her recent run of U.S. college performances: they’re helping fund her “real” tour.

The 28-year-old pop star, known for global hits and high-energy stage productions, admitted that despite her success, the financial demands of touring remain steep. 

Speaking in a TikTok video after performing at Yale University’s Spring Fling 2026 event, Larsson joked about her brief stint on campus, saying, “Yeah, I went to Yale… I went there to sing once, so technically I did go to Yale.”

Larsson is currently playing a string of college shows across the United States, including stops at University of Delaware, Tufts University, and Brandeis University. 

The performances come between her North American tour dates and ahead of planned festival appearances, as well as an upcoming tour across Australia and New Zealand later this year.

Explaining her decision, the singer said she committed to the college circuit some time ago to help cover expenses tied to her larger tour production. 

She emphasized her professionalism, noting she honors her contracts and does not cancel shows. “Some people pay to go to college, I get paid to go to college,” she quipped.

While embracing the experience, Larsson also reflected on her own educational path, revealing she never completed high school. Despite that, she expressed confidence in her abilities and humor about her current role. 

“Someone has to entertain the educated, and that’s my job,” she said, adding that the college tour has been “really fun” with enthusiastic audiences.

The singer also shared a lighthearted moment about receiving Yale-branded merchandise, joking that she might wear it publicly and play along if asked about her “graduation.”

Beyond touring, Larsson recently addressed fan comparisons between herself and fellow pop artist Tate McRae. 

The two performed together during McRae’s Miss Progressive Tour in 2025, prompting some fans to question why Larsson wasn’t headlining.

Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Larsson pushed back on the narrative, suggesting such comparisons are common among female pop artists. 

She praised McRae as “incredible” and described their collaboration as a “perfect match,” while noting that her longer career and age may shape audience expectations.