Kings of Leon Replace Zara Larsson at Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2026 Concerts

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix concert line-up has changed significantly, with Kings of Leon replacing Zara Larsson for the opening night of the four-day entertainment program. The Grammy-winning American rock band will join Lewis Capaldi on December 3, bringing two major acts together to kick off the season-ending race weekend.

Organizer Ethara confirmed that Zara Larsson, announced for the event earlier this year, would no longer perform. No reason was provided for the Swedish singer’s withdrawal.

The change gives rock fans an additional reason to look forward to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Kings of Leon returning to a city where they first performed in the Middle East during the inaugural race weekend in 2009.

The concerts will take place at Etihad Live as part of Yasalam, the entertainment program accompanying the Formula One finale at Yas Marina Circuit from December 3 to 6.

Kings of Leon Return to Abu Dhabi With New Music

Kings of Leon’s appearance comes just weeks after the scheduled November 6 release of their tenth studio album, O My Beloved. The 13-track record is the band’s first entirely self-produced album and reportedly explores family, childhood memories, and the experiences that shaped their early years.

The upcoming release could give the Abu Dhabi audience an opportunity to hear new material alongside the band’s established hits, including Sex on Fire and Use Somebody.

The album’s lead single, My Whole World, signals a more acoustic-driven direction. According to reports, the sound emerged after frontman Caleb Followill broke his foot last year and began writing songs on an acoustic guitar during his recovery.

Formed in Nashville in 1999, Kings of Leon comprises brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill, alongside their cousin Matthew Followill. The band released its debut album, Youth and Young Manhood, in 2003 and subsequently became one of the most successful American rock acts of its generation.

Their achievements include four Grammy Awards, with Use Somebody winning Record of the Year in 2010.

Lewis Capaldi Joins the Opening Night

Kings of Leon will share the opening-night bill with Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, who returns to Abu Dhabi following a sold-out performance at Saadiyat Nights in January.

Capaldi is known internationally for emotionally charged hits such as Someone You Loved and Before You Go. His combination of powerful vocals and self-deprecating humor has helped establish him as a major live attraction.

The pairing creates a varied opening night, bringing together Kings of Leon’s alternative-rock catalogue and Capaldi’s chart-topping pop ballads.

David Powell, Ethara’s chief portfolio and strategy officer, welcomed the addition of Kings of Leon, describing the band as a major name in rock whose extensive catalog would provide a strong start to the after-race concerts.

Full Abu Dhabi F1 2026 Concert Line-Up Revealed

The revised announcement completes the four-night after-race concert schedule.

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Warren are scheduled to perform on Friday, December 4, followed by Imagine Dragons on Saturday, December 5. The series concludes on Sunday, December 6, with performances by electronic duo The Chainsmokers and Irish rock band The Script.

The wider entertainment program begins on December 2 with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performing at Etihad Arena for the Yasalam Classics concert.

Electronic music fans can also expect Anyma’s ÆDEN show at the official after-party on December 4. DJs Black Coffee, CamelPhat and Shimza are scheduled to perform at 16/360 across three days.

Together, the concerts and DJ events extend the Grand Prix experience beyond the track, turning Yas Island into a destination for international music and nightlife throughout race week.

How to Attend the Abu Dhabi F1 Concerts

Access to the after-race concerts is reserved for eligible Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders, with upgrades also available through the event’s ticketing arrangements.

The 2026 race weekend runs from December 3 to 6 at Yas Marina Circuit. The combination of Formula One competition and an extensive entertainment program remains a major attraction for visitors traveling to the UAE for the season finale.

For Kings of Leon, the performance marks a return to a city connected to the early stages of their international touring history. For fans, it offers the chance to see the band perform shortly after the arrival of a new album, alongside a line-up featuring some of the biggest names in contemporary pop, rock and electronic music.