If you noticed a quiet shift in the lineup for OneRepublic’s upcoming New Zealand return, you’re not imagining it. Zara Larsson is no longer appearing on the local date of The Sweet Escape Tour, with British singer-songwriter Freya Ridings now officially confirmed as special guest – and the tour is still very much one to circle in your calendar.
Originally announced as part of the run, Zara Larsson stepped away due to scheduling conflicts within her wider touring commitments. She addressed fans directly online, apologising and promising she’d make it back to the region for her own shows when the timing lines up. While it’s always disappointing to lose a pop heavyweight from a lineup, the update has landed with a silver lining.
Enter Freya Ridings. Known for her emotionally charged vocals and slow-burn pop hits, Ridings brings a completely different but equally compelling energy to the night. Her inclusion adds a more intimate, goosebump‑inducing opening set that pairs surprisingly well with OneRepublic’s stadium‑ready anthems. For many New Zealand fans, this will be a rare chance to see her live, making the Auckland date feel even more special.
The tour itself marks a big moment for OneRepublic, who return after selling out shows across the region in 2023. Led by frontman Ryan Tedder, the band have built a reputation for live shows that blur the line between polished pop and emotional group therapy, stacked with hits that demand to be sung at full volume. From the first piano note to the final chorus, their concerts are designed to feel huge, heartfelt and unapologetically cinematic.
The Sweet Escape Tour kicks off in Auckland at Spark Arena on 4 February 2026, setting the tone for a summer of big singalongs and cathartic pop. You can get some of the last remaining tickets here before it undoubtedly sells out.
Lineup changes aside, the message is clear: OneRepublic’s New Zealand show remains a must‑see. With Freya Ridings now in the mix, the evening promises both emotional depth and euphoric release, exactly the kind of escape the tour name suggests.
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