Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson has audiences worldwide with her chart-topping hits like “Lush Life” and “Symphony,” but fans are equally fascinated by her personal life and romantic relationships. The 27-year-old singer has been refreshingly open about her dating experiences, from her early days of casually seeing multiple people to finding lasting love with her current partner. As one of Sweden’s most successful international artists, Larsson’s relationship journey has evolved alongside her musical career, offering insights into how she balances fame with authentic connections.
Born on December 16, 1997, Larsson first gained attention at age 10 when she won Sweden’s Got Talent, but it’s her adult relationships that have garnered significant media attention. Her dating history includes a highly publicized romance with British model Brian H. Whittaker, which began in a uniquely modern way through social media. However, it’s her current relationship with Swedish-American dancer Lamin Holmén that has truly captured her heart and influenced her music.
Current Relationship Status: Dating Lamin Holmén
Zara Larsson and Lamin Holmén (Image via Getty)
Zara Larsson is currently in a committed relationship with Swedish-American dancer Lamin Holmén, a romance that has flourished for over six years. The couple began dating in 2020, and their relationship has become increasingly serious, with Larsson openly discussing marriage and family plans in recent interviews. At 31 years old, Holmén is four years older than Larsson and has been a stabilizing presence in her life as she navigates the demands of international stardom.
The couple’s relationship has been well-documented through social media appearances and public outings, including romantic beach vacations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Their connection appears to transcend the typical celebrity relationship, with Larsson crediting Holmén for making her “more expressive and confident” in both her personal life and artistic endeavors. The dancer has served as inspiration for several love songs on Larsson’s album “Venus,” demonstrating the profound impact their relationship has had on her creative output.
Despite maintaining a long-distance dynamic due to Larsson’s extensive touring schedule, the couple has successfully navigated the challenges of their respective careers. Holmén’s background in dance complements Larsson’s artistic vision, and she has expressed admiration for performers who incorporate dance into their shows, suggesting their shared passion for performance arts strengthens their bond.
Marriage Plans and Future Together
In a candid 2025 interview with PEOPLE magazine, Larsson revealed her thoughts on marriage and future family plans with Holmén. The singer expressed certainty about wanting to spend her life with her partner, stating, “I know I want to marry him. I know I want to be with him for the rest of my life, and I want babies.” However, her approach to wedding planning reflects her practical and unconventional personality.
Rather than planning an elaborate ceremony, Larsson has indicated she would prefer a simple courthouse wedding, joking about wearing “matching white Jordans” or opting for a minimalist celebration. Her aversion to traditional wedding fanfare stems from her discomfort with certain aspects of wedding culture, despite her love for being the center of attention in other contexts. This pragmatic approach to marriage aligns with her philosophy of authenticity over convention.
The couple’s six-year relationship has provided Larsson with the emotional security to explore new creative territories. She credits their partnership with allowing her to feel “secure in a way I’ve never felt before,” which has influenced her songwriting and artistic expression. Their relationship has inspired specific tracks, including “Blue Moon” from her upcoming album, demonstrating how their personal connection continues to fuel her musical creativity.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Zara Larsson and Lamin Holmén (Image via Getty)
Before finding lasting love with Holmén, Larsson’s dating life included several notable relationships that shaped her perspective on love and commitment. In her late teens, the singer was notably open about dating multiple people simultaneously, explaining in interviews that she wasn’t “exclusively anyone’s” and was “dating a couple of people.” This approach reflected her young age and desire to explore relationships without the pressure of commitment.
Her most publicized previous relationship was with British model Brian H. Whittaker, which lasted from 2017 to 2019. The romance began in a distinctly modern way when Larsson spotted Whittaker’s photo online and tweeted about finding him attractive, famously asking, “Who are you, where do you live, how old are you, why are you so fine, and how do you like your eggs cooked in the morning?” The couple eventually connected through social media, and their relationship became Instagram-official with numerous public displays of affection.
The Whittaker relationship demonstrated Larsson’s willingness to pursue what she wanted, regardless of conventional dating norms. Their romance was characterized by playful social media interactions and public appearances, though it ultimately ended as both pursued their respective careers. This experience likely contributed to Larsson’s appreciation for the stability and maturity she found with Holmén.
Impact of Relationships on Music Career
Larsson’s romantic relationships have significantly influenced her musical output, with love songs becoming increasingly prominent in her discography. Her relationship with Holmén has been particularly inspiring, contributing to multiple tracks on her “Venus” album and continuing to influence her upcoming “Midnight Sun” project. The singer has been transparent about how personal experiences shape her songwriting, creating authentic connections with listeners who relate to her emotional journey.
The evolution from casual dating to committed partnership has paralleled Larsson’s artistic maturity. Her early songs reflected the uncertainty and exploration of young adulthood, while her recent work demonstrates the confidence and security that comes with finding lasting love. This progression has allowed her to explore different emotional territories in her music, from vulnerable ballads to confident anthems.
Larsson’s openness about her relationships has also enhanced her connection with fans, who appreciate her authenticity in an industry often characterized by manufactured personas. Her willingness to discuss both the challenges and joys of maintaining relationships while pursuing a demanding career resonates with audiences facing similar balancing acts. This transparency has become a defining characteristic of her public persona and artistic brand.
Personal Growth and Relationship Philosophy
Zara Larsson (Image via Getty)
At 27, Larsson has developed a mature perspective on relationships that reflects her personal growth and life experiences. She credits her current relationship with providing the emotional foundation necessary for both personal happiness and professional success. Her approach to love emphasizes authenticity, communication, and mutual support rather than conforming to societal expectations.
The singer’s relationship philosophy extends beyond romantic partnerships to encompass her broader views on self-acceptance and personal authenticity. Her recent single “Pretty Ugly” explores themes of self-image and confidence, reflecting the security she has found in her personal life. This integration of personal growth with artistic expression demonstrates how her relationship experiences continue to inform her creative output.
Larsson’s journey from casual dating to committed partnership illustrates the natural progression of young adulthood, resonating with fans who have followed her career from its early stages. Her willingness to share both struggles and triumphs in love has created a genuine connection with audiences who appreciate her honesty about the complexities of modern relationships.
Australian singer-songwriter Ruel Vincent van Dijk has captured hearts worldwide with his soulful voice and emotional lyrics, but what about his own heart? The 22-year-old Sydney native, known mononymously as Ruel, has been relatively private about his romantic life, though recent interviews have shed light on his relationship status. Born on October 29, 2002, in London before moving to Australia, Ruel has grown from a 12-year-old songwriter penning tracks about young love to a mature artist with real relationships while maintaining his career.
The “Don’t Tell Me” singer first gained attention when he wrote his debut single at age 12 about a crush, after his family dismissed his feelings as too young for love. This early experience with romantic frustration would become a recurring theme in his music, as Ruel has consistently drawn from personal experiences to create his emotionally resonant tracks. His journey from teenage infatuation to adult relationships has been documented through his evolving discography, making fans curious about the real-life inspirations behind his love songs.
With over 3 billion global streams and recognition as the “golden boy of Australian music,” Ruel’s personal life has become increasingly scrutinized. However, the artist has managed to balance his public persona with maintaining privacy around his romantic relationships, only recently opening up about his current relationship status in select interviews. This careful approach to sharing personal details reflects his growth as both an artist and an individual fame while protecting his private life.
Current Relationship Status: Ruel’s Confirmed Romance
Ruel (Image via Getty)
As of 2024, Ruel has confirmed he is in a committed relationship, revealing in a recent interview with Newsweek that he has a girlfriend and has been with her for four years. The Australian singer described his love life as “wonderful” and expressed satisfaction with the stability of his long-term relationship. This revelation came during promotion for his EP “Adaptations,” marking one of the few times Ruel has publicly discussed his romantic life in detail.
The singer’s decision to keep his girlfriend’s identity private demonstrates his commitment to maintaining boundaries between his public career and personal relationships. Despite his openness about having a girlfriend, Ruel has not revealed her name or shared photos together on social media, suggesting a mutual decision to keep their relationship away from public scrutiny. This approach aligns with his generally reserved nature when it comes to discussing personal matters outside of his music.
Ruel’s four-year relationship timeline would place the beginning of their romance around 2020, coinciding with the release of his EP “Bright Lights, Red Eyes.” This timing suggests that some of his more recent musical content may have been influenced by this stable, long-term relationship, representing a shift from his earlier songs about unrequited love and relationship struggles.
Early Love Life: From Childhood Crushes to Musical Inspiration
Ruel’s relationship with love and romance began early, with his very first song “Don’t Tell Me” written at age 12 about a dinner table conversation where he shared his feelings about a crush. His family’s dismissive response to his young romantic feelings sparked the creation of what would become his breakthrough single, released when he was 14. This early experience established a pattern of channeling personal romantic experiences into his songwriting that continues today.
The young artist’s approach to relationships during his teenage years was heavily influenced by his musical career, as he began collaborating with other songwriters and sharing personal stories in professional settings. Ruel has described himself as a “visceral oversharer” in relationships, a trait he attributes to years of songwriting sessions where vulnerability and personal disclosure are essential. This tendency to overshare has both helped and hindered his romantic connections throughout his career.
During his formative years, Ruel’s songs frequently explored themes of young love, heartbreak, and the confusion that comes with growing up. Tracks like “Younger” reflected on friendships and relationships that changed over time, while “Say” dealt with personal hurt and relationship challenges he was experiencing while writing. These early compositions established Ruel as an artist willing to mine his personal life for authentic musical content.
Musical Evolution: How Relationships Shape His Art
Ruel (Image via Getty)
Ruel’s songwriting has consistently drawn from his personal romantic experiences, creating a musical timeline that mirrors his relationship journey. His latest single, “Made it Awkward,” released in November 2024, exemplifies his continued willingness to explore uncomfortable romantic situations through music. The song chronicles the aftermath of confessing feelings to someone who doesn’t reciprocate, a scenario Ruel admits to experiencing multiple times.
The evolution from his early songs about unrequited teenage love to his current work reflects his growth in both relationships and artistry. While his debut material focused on the frustration of young love being dismissed or unreciprocated, his more recent work explores the complexities of adult relationships and communication. This maturation is evident in how he approaches both his music and his current stable relationship.
Ruel’s collaborative approach to songwriting, working with producers like Grammy-winner M-Phazes since age 12, has required him to become comfortable sharing intimate details about his romantic life. This professional vulnerability has translated into his personal relationships, where he acknowledges being an oversharer, sometimes to the detriment of new connections. However, this same openness has likely contributed to the success of his four-year relationship.
Privacy and Fame: Balancing Public Life with Personal Relationships
Ruel (Image via Getty)
Despite his success and growing fame, Ruel has maintained a relatively private approach to his romantic life, only recently confirming his relationship status after years of speculation. His decision to keep his girlfriend’s identity private reflects a mature understanding of how fame can impact personal relationships. This boundary-setting demonstrates growth from his earlier tendency to overshare in various contexts.
The singer’s move to Los Angeles in 2024, six months before his recent interviews, represents a significant life change that he’s undergone alongside his long-term relationship. Ruel has noted the faster pace of LA compared to his native Sydney, suggesting that maintaining his relationship while adapting to a new environment and career demands requires careful balance. His girlfriend’s support during this transition likely plays a crucial role in his continued stability.
Ruel’s approach to social media and public appearances with regard to his romantic life shows deliberate restraint compared to many artists his age. While he shares aspects of his career and creative process, he has consistently kept romantic content separate from his public persona. This strategy appears to be working, as evidenced by his successful four-year relationship and continued career growth.
