She’s Blocking Them — Zara Larsson Draws a Line on Spotify
Image: Ben Houdijk (via Shutterstock)
Swedish pop star Zara Larsson has sparked fresh discussion about ethics in music consumption after revealing how she curates her own Spotify library.
In a video interview published by Cosmopolitan as part of the magazine’s “Cheap Shots” rapid-fire segment, Larsson was asked which artist she would never include on her playlists. Her answer was blunt and values-driven: “There are 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. Bye!”
Spotify’s block feature lets users keep specific artists from appearing in recommendations, playlists, and algorithmic suggestions. While many listeners use this tool casually — for music they simply don’t like — Larsson’s use of it stems from moral considerations about the artists’ behavior.
The mention of Chris Brown references a decades-long controversy surrounding the R&B star. Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to felony assault in connection with domestic violence involving singer Rihanna, a case that has continued to influence how some fans and industry figures view his legacy.
Larsson didn’t expand on other names or provide a formal “blacklist.” The comments were part of a light-hearted interview series rather than a detailed policy statement. Nonetheless, the moment quickly went viral, with fans praising her candid voice and critics debating whether listeners should separate art from the artist.
Her stance reflects a broader cultural shift among music fans in the streaming era. As streaming royalties increasingly shape artists’ careers and cultural narratives, decisions to avoid specific artists become both personal and political.
For the music industry, Larsson’s comments have reopened familiar conversations about responsibility, accountability, and the role audiences play in shaping cultural support — not just through charts and streams, but through what they choose not to listen to.
