Zara Larsson. Photo: Tomi Palsa.

Cheerful chatter fills the Main stage court as a hot summer day reaches its end. Saturday evening’s main performer, Swedish pop star Zara Larsson has attracted eager listeners of all ages. The easygoing atmosphere quickly turns into excitement as lights flash with a sudden bass barrage: Never Forget You immediately bursts the stage front into an open-air dance floor.

Experienced for her age, the young artist takes the stage smoothly together with her band and dance group. The performers’ intense stage presence in I Would Like causes a wild applause while the lights reach out for the colourful summer sky. At the end of the song, microphones are set aside, and the performers lead the dance party. The stomping raises a dirt cloud at the dry Main stage and the front is packed with smiling faces and sweaty bodies. Throughout the gig, a simple visual look of  background animations and lights composed a smart whole with the energetic beats of the music.

The set list includes hits like Ain’t My Fault, Lush Life, So Good, and Symphony, by the British electronic band Clean Bandit, on which Larsson featured last year. Singing echoes at Laulurinne as the voices of the audience join in for I Can’t Fall in Love with You and Uncover, one of Larsson’s first musical love stories. The young artist’s first performance at Ilosaarirock is sure to leave warm memories.

Text: Nella Moisseinen
Photo: Tomi Palsa