Despite commanding sold-out arenas and earning Grammy accolades, Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey admits to a persistent onstage fear: making direct eye contact with audience members. This lingering apprehension, she revealed in a recent interview, stems from her formative years immersed in classical music. The artist shared that the simple act of locking eyes with a fan can still trigger a wave of anxiety, a stark contrast to the confidence she projects during her globally recognized performances.
The Grammy-winning artist, known for her unique blend of jazz and contemporary pop, discussed this vulnerability during an appearance on The Hit Network’s Hot Hits with Nic & Loren. While her career has seen a meteoric rise, culminating in chart-topping albums and extensive international tours, this particular aspect of live performance remains a source of trepidation. Her explanation delves into the roots of this discomfort, tracing it back to early musical training and a well-intentioned, yet impactful, piece of advice.
From Cello Practice to Stage Fright
Laufey’s musical journey began with the cello, an instrument that demanded a particular focus and discipline. During her classical training, she explained, she would occasionally select a person in the audience to focus on during performances. This practice, however, led to an unintended consequence. A teacher, observing her during a recital, advised her that looking directly at audience members while playing was "creepy."
This feedback, though perhaps delivered with the intent of improving her stage presence and focus, left an indelible mark on Laufey. The artist confessed, "I’m so scared of freaking people out! I’m always thinking about it." This ingrained caution has persisted even as she has transitioned from classical recitals to headlining global tours. The fear, while seemingly minor in the grand scheme of her success, highlights a deeply personal aspect of her performance anxiety.
A Calculated Exception in the Setlist
While Laufey generally avoids direct eye contact with her audience, there is a deliberate exception to this rule. During the performance of "Letter to My 13 Year Old Self," her set closer, she actively seeks out young fans in the crowd. This poignant song, a personal reflection on her younger self, prompts her to connect with the emerging generation of music lovers.
The intention is to offer a moment of shared understanding and encouragement. However, this act of connection can sometimes lead to another layer of emotional complexity. Laufey admitted that witnessing young audience members in tears during this particular song can be overwhelming, sometimes causing her own emotions to well up. This empathetic response, she noted, is another reason she often refrains from looking too closely, as the raw emotion of her fans can be deeply affecting.
Arena Intimacy vs. Smaller Venues
Counterintuitively, Laufey finds that larger arena shows often feel more intimate than performances in smaller theaters. The sheer scale of an arena, she explained, can create a sense of being enveloped and closer to the fans. The opportunity to engage in a "barricade walk," where she can interact directly with those at the front, further enhances this feeling of proximity.
This perceived intimacy in larger venues is amplified by the juxtaposition of the grand space with the quiet, introspective nature of her music. The hushed reverence of the audience during her songs, even in a vast arena, creates a unique atmosphere where personal connection can flourish. This dynamic suggests that for Laufey, the emotional impact of her music transcends the physical size of the venue.
The Unforeseen Fame of a Fortnite Avatar
In a testament to her widespread cultural impact, Laufey recently encountered an unexpected marker of her fame: recognition for her Fortnite character. The artist shared a humorous anecdote about a waitress at a restaurant who recognized her from the popular video game. This experience highlighted the diverse and often surprising ways her music and persona have reached new audiences.
Laufey described the surreal experience of encountering her own digital avatar within the game, humorously noting, "Sometimes I’ll come across another me and we’re just shooting at each other." This playful acknowledgment of her virtual likeness underscores her broader appeal beyond traditional music circles and into the realm of digital entertainment.
A Landmark Year and Grammy Recognition
The artist’s candid reflections come at the close of a remarkably successful period in her career. Her third studio album, A Matter of Time, released in September 2025, achieved significant commercial success. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, marking her first entry into the top 10 and becoming the highest-charting jazz album since 2018.
Beyond the main Billboard 200 chart, A Matter of Time dominated genre-specific charts, topping Billboard’s Jazz Albums, Traditional Jazz Albums, Independent Albums, and Vinyl Albums charts. This widespread critical and commercial acclaim culminated in Laufey winning the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album in 2026. This marked her second consecutive win in the category, following her success with the 2023 album Bewitched.
Chart Dominance and Global Reach
Laufey’s album Bewitched also achieved considerable success, peaking at No. 18 on the Billboard 200 and demonstrating sustained popularity. Her influence extends internationally, with two albums charting in the top 10 in Australia. She recently concluded an eight-show Australian tour in support of A Matter of Time, further solidifying her global fanbase.
The artist’s ability to connect with audiences across diverse platforms, from intimate ballads to virtual battlegrounds, showcases her multifaceted appeal. Her journey from classical cello prodigy to global music sensation is marked by a consistent ability to evoke deep emotion and forge genuine connections, even while navigating the inherent anxieties of live performance. Her continued success suggests a promising future, with audiences eager to witness her evolution as an artist.
