Zara Larsson Blocks Abusive Artists on Spotify

Dubai: Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson, set to headline the 2026 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix opening concert this December, has revealed her personal stance on the artists she chooses not to listen to. In a recent video for Cosmopolitan, Larsson openly discussed her use of Spotify’s block feature.

During the brief interview segment, she was asked which artists would never feature on her playlists. Larsson responded candidly, stating, “There’s so many artists that I have blocked on Spotify, and all of them are like, abusers. You certainly wouldn’t find, like, a Chris Brown song in my playlists.”

Chris Brown, the American R&B singer, is a polarising figure in popular music. While his discography boasts multi‑platinum hits and a devoted international fan base, his career has also been punctuated by legal controversies. The most notorious incident occurred in 2009, when Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in connection with the domestic violence case involving singer Rihanna. He was sentenced to probation, community service, and ongoing court-mandated programmes.

Despite these controversies, Brown has continued to release music and tour worldwide, prompting broader public debate about whether an artist’s personal conduct should influence how their work is consumed. Larsson’s comments, though brief, place her firmly in the camp of artists and listeners who choose accountability over commercial popularity.

Larsson did not expand further on other specific names or provide detailed reasoning beyond her personal listening habits. The mention was part of a rapid‑response segment, rather than a formal statement or campaign. Nevertheless, her remarks highlight ongoing discussions about ethics in the music industry and the role of audiences in supporting—or rejecting—artists based on their behaviour.

Artists Blocked by Zara Larsson (as publicly stated)

Larsson’s candidness underscores a growing trend among listeners and performers who weigh moral accountability alongside musical preference—a topic that continues to spark conversation across social media and entertainment circles.