Zara Larsson Praises Tate McRae, Defends Their Tour Collaboration

0:00It's April 23rd, you're listening to music news today, AI-powered music coverage. I'm Cory with the story. Zara Larson's giving major props to Tate McGrey for letting her open on the mispossessive tour last year. That gig was a huge boost toward her breakout year in 2026, but back then some fans wondered why the Swedish pop star wasn't headlining those big arenas herself instead of the Canadian rising star. On the latest call her daddy episode, dropped April 22nd, Larson called McGrey straight up incredible and said their team up was a perfect fit. She figured some folks pitted them against each other because she's been in the game longer and she's the 28-year-old vet. Larson hit back at the doubters, basically saying if you want her in the big spots, just buy the ticket. It's not on Tate. After the tour wrapped, she posted a photo with McGrey on Instagram, stressing they're just two pop girls hyping each other backstage. She pointed out their bives match up. They both kill it with dance moves and pop tracks, even if Tate edges her out on the floor.

1:02Fans love rooting for the underdog, Larson noted, which might explain the shade. Both are getting shine at this year's Billboard Women in Music, with Larson nabbing the breakthrough award and McGrey the hitmaker nod. Their paths keep crossing strong.