Omar Rudberg on Speaking Up and Showing Out

Never mind that it was a 650-cap room and one of only two U.S. shows on a six-city club tour to showcase the new release. In terms of energy, screams, signs, flags and singalongs, the Rudberg diehards who packed Music Hall could give the Directioners or Beliebers in their heyday, at the height of their lung-capacity powers, a run for their money. It was bananas. And boy did Rudberg deliver like the decade-long pro that he is: an exhilarating 18-song set, live band, two backup dancers, as dazzling a light and production as one can muster for a club gig. It felt, no cap, like an arena show, shrunken.

But for the uninitiated, an Omar Rudberg primer: At only 25 — he celebrates his 26th this month — Rudberg has already filled his life with more chapters than some artists twice his age. The Venezuela native and his mom relocated to Sweden at age six, a move of 5,400 miles geographically and even further culturally. Always musically inclined, by 14, he had begun a four-year stint in the boyband FO&O, a Nordic sensation that racked up gold and platinum plaques, opened for the aforementioned Bieber and One Direction, and even toured the States, in 2015, as part of PopNation, a showcase organizer by legendary pop manager Johnny Wright (*NSYNC, Backstreet Boys). When FO&O split, Rudberg began a solo career that leaned into his Latin roots, but with no international record deal, his fame remained largely local.

August of 2020, however, changed everything, when Omar landed the co-lead in Netflix’s Young Royals, the teen-oriented drama that centered the fraught but swoon-worthy queer romance between Sweden’s crown prince and Rudberg’s Simon, a blue collar, free spirit. Over three seasons, the show was a wild success — regularly in Netflix’s Top 10 of non-English language series — and turned Rudberg, Royals’ indisputable heartthrob, into a global star. To many tears from the faithful, the show ended its run in the spring as Omar was well on his way to planning a return to music, on a much larger scale and now with a built-in audience.

Enter Atlantic Records, who through a distribution deal with Rudberg’s Swedish home TEN Music, released Every Night Fantasy, which pairs upbeat, often Latin-flavored pop and R&B with early-2000s vibes and kiss-off lyrics (“Bye Bye,” “Lose Me,” “Girlfriend”), a gorgeous, plaintive ballads (“Red Light,” “Wrong”) and a rousing pop-rock crowd-pleaser (“Sabotage”).

All are featured in the club tour, which concluded on November 4 in Los Angeles, along with songs that span Rudberg’s discography, including Spanish-language hits “Que Pasa” and “Mi Casa Su Casa,” from his 2022 debut LP OMR; the dance banger “Moving Like That” and even two in Swedish: 2020’s “Dum” and his Young Royals signature heart-tugger “Simon’s Song.” This predominantly American crowd (Omar asked for a show of hands to confirm nationality), mind you, sang along with every word. What’s Swedish for “devotion?” The main set concluded on a joyous note: Omar’s cover of The Ark’s “It Takes a Fool to Remain Sane” — also popularized on Royals — accompanied by the fans waving small Pride flags.

Recently, Rudberg has leaned into a glam side. His signature curls — long and free flowing in his early solo music days, are shorter and slicked down for the current club tour with a single spit curl in front (think Cabaret meets Too Bright-era Perfume Genius). At some dates he matched a tank top with sparkly pants and long black gloves. But all the glam in the world doesn’t count for much in a dance pop show if you can’t move, and damn, does Rudberg have the moves. His facility with tight, on-point choreo while never flagging vocally reminds you that, even if much of the world got to know him as an actor, he’s been performing music for more than half his life.

Rudberg occupies a curious place — at once an established pop star in one part of the world, and in a sense a newcomer, at least musically, elsewhere. And while thanks to Royals he’s become a global queer icon, a role he celebrates, performing at Pride events in Sweden and beyond, and while Every Night Fantasy plays freely with sexuality and matters of the heart — not least in “Girlfriend,” a sly musical come-on to a boy with a girl at home — he’s long demurred when it comes to discussing his own love life.

But we did cover a lot of ground, in a conversation two days after the Brooklyn show, at Atlantic Records’ midtown Manhattan office, ground zero for the latest chapter in the career of Omar Rudberg.

Omar! So nice to see you again, and what a show the other night. Holy shit.

Thank you! It was so much fun.

You’ve done four shows in Europe now, this one in New York.

And then LA next week.

So six shows on this club run, total, in conjunction with the new EP Every Night Fantasy. As you said on a TikTok live back in September when fans from all over the world were asking, “Why aren’t you coming here?” You said, “For now it’s just baby steps.”

I mean, there’s budgets to consider and I do want to do a bigger tour. But if I am gonna do a tour, I want to do something really good. So then, we have to have dancers, we have to have the band, we have to have lights. We have to have all of that and it’s a process, and there’s a lot of people involved. That’s why I say, “baby steps,” cause we’re just taking it step by step. I am an upcoming artist even though I have been in the industry for over 10 years. I still feel like I am an up-and-coming artist.

It's funny to hear you say that because your story is not typical. You started performing in your early teens with FO&O, you blew up in Sweden and the Nordics, big star there, you began a solo career, still mostly known in Sweden. Then you get cast in Young Royals which became a phenomenon, it changed your life and created this whole new built-in global audience for your return to music. Is it a strange feeling to be so established and known in one part of the world, and yet feeling like you’re kind of maybe at square one in another region?

It’s weird but also, I love it, I love that. Because it makes me feel like I have to re-introduce myself? And I am glad that I have the opportunity to do that, because I need to. Because what I was back then, years back, it’s not doing me justice I feel. Today I am even stronger and more confident, and I know a lot more about myself and what I want to do more, now? So I am just so, so lucky that I actually get to come here and like re-introduce myself, again and again?

Those fans the other night needed no introduction. They knew every word, from “Que Pasa” [2018] to the recent songs, including the Spanish ones and — what really blew me away — songs in Swedish like “Dum” [2020]. At first I thought, “There just must be a lot of Swedes here,” but then you asked for a show of hands of who was American, and it was nearly everyone! Singing in Swedish! I was stunned. They are just that devoted?

I guess so, and I think that it is something that they really feel is so important to them? That song [“Dum”] comes from a very important story, and I feel like people really connect to that and relate to that and see themselves in that song, and that message. That’s what I think makes them literally learn Swedish, because it is very important for them.

That is something I need to start bragging about. Like I get people to sing in Swedish!

I saw footage from the Paris show, and it was the same thing, French people singing in Swedish.

That is something I need to start bragging about. Like I get people to sing in Swedish! And they are from everywhere in the world? It’s crazy.

I got to talking to a couple of the fans at a bar after, and one, from D.C., had seen you in Germany and London and New York and was now going to LA, and the other lives in like western Canada! So they’re coming from all over.

Yes! Like, one girl flew from Australia to Cologne, in Germany. And she was like, “I literally flew all the way from Australia to see you! Can you please come to Australia?” I was like, “Oh my God!” It’s crazy, people like travel from the other side of the world to see a little show. You know what I mean?

What songs from the new EP do you think have emerged as favorites? You finish the whole show with “Sabotage” so I assume you know that’s a song that has really connected.

Well, before we even released “Sabotage” I knew that it was gonna be the last song of the show. And it was actually not a song that I wanted to have in the EP in the first place! And that was because I felt like “Sabotage” was the song that kind of stuck out a little too much? Cause I have some different songs and rhythms with a similar feel on the EP, it didn’t really fit? But it was such a good song, so we added it to the EP, and then we released it as the last single. And it’s a fan favorite and it’s been my biggest debut, first day of streaming?

Did you have a sense when Royals was blowing up, becoming a hit show, did you know — because, yes, those older songs from “Que Pasa” onwards were available on DSP’s, people could hear them all over the world — but they never got an actual official US release or international release, right?

No, no...

So did you have a sense that international fans were picking up on your songs from the past?

Oh yeah!

So you already knew that, and played your first solo shows in Cologne, Paris, you weren’t shocked that the already knew all these?

Oh no, definitely not. And that is because the fans that came to this tour are definitely the core fans, you know, that have been screaming at me, you know, like, “Come to Germany, come to London...” and so now that we actually did it, and the venues were pretty small, these are the fans that have always been on my timeline? You know, commenting, supporting, you know, showing up to other gigs, and other stuff.

This return to live performing began with a big show in February at [1600-cap] Cirkus in Stockholm. But before that it had been a long time since you had done a live show, right?

Years! As far as a real concert. You know, you can’t really compare it to like a festival appearance with like three songs. It’s a whole different thing doing your own, one hour, minimum, show?

I saw in the European shows you had on these long gloves and sparkly pants. Was that just for Europe?

I’m mixing it up.

But I feel like you’re looking more glam, pushing boundaries with your style that you weren’t doing even with the OMR album a few years ago. And you have the OMR beauty line now that allows you to lean into that. We talked in the spring about you “not giving a fuck” about what people think anymore. Does that extend to your look?

I have definitely grown into that. Yeah. I’m still not completely on that level of confidence? I feel like I am still growing into that? But I am definitely pushing myself to just do the things I want to do without being scared of being judged, you know?

We’re sitting here in the Atlantic office, and we often think of major labels as maybe being a little more conservative. So I wondered if anyone had been, “Don’t go too crazy with the look,” or anything like that. Or do they not get involved with how you want to...

I hope they don’t! [Laughs]

But they haven’t so far?

No. And they... better not! [Laughs] Because I’m down with that. You know, it’s not, I’m not here to be somebody that I don’t want to be. But I’m very open for tips, and opinions, you know, I’m always open for that.

We’ve seen other artists kind of in a similar space of pop — Olly Alexander, Troye Sivan, definitely Lil Nas X — also get bolder with their looks as time goes on. You think everyone is kind of on their own trajectory?

Definitely! I support that one hundred percent. You can — you should do whatever you want to do, as long as it’s not making harm for other people, or hurting people. But like, if you get offended because someone is doing something that is not really your flavor or your type, or your way of doing things, then that’s on you. You know? Because it’s obviously not hurting you. You obviously are just insecure, or you don’t understand that person and you’re not willing to understand that person. And that’s why you get “offended” by them. But I feel like as long as you know who you are, and you know that you’re a good person, and you’re not hurting anyone, then do whatever you want to do! Be you!

Did you happen to see this this clip of Shawn Mendes from a couple of days ago, from his performance at Red Rocks…

Yeah! I saw that.

Where he talked about sexuality, and in a way that I don’t think he’s ever taken it upon himself to address publicly and this was in front of thousands of people. And it was quite heartfelt and he said something like “I feel like it’s always been a complicated thing, but it’s something I am honestly still figuring out...” For years there’s just been snarky speculation about him, and he’s chosen to mostly avoid addressing it. We were talking a second ago about looking, presenting however you want, but it’s another thing to sit down and be asked questions about your sexuality or love life.

People on the internet will always have things to say. And I feel like that’s something also that I relate to, because as i say, the internet will always have something to say, you can’t win so it’s better not saying anything. and just keep things to yourself. And I feel like that’s how it should be, and if you are comfortable talking about whatever you want to talk about, then good for you! But like, I can’t believe that this is still a thing. That’s crazy to me! And another thing, like if I compare myself to someone like, let’s say, Shawn. A lot of people definitely take for granted that I am something, just because I wear something, you know what I’m saying? People judge very quickly, depending on what you’re wearing or what you look like. But for a guy like Shawn, he looks the way he looks, and he is the way he is. And he’s been in past relationships and things like that, and I feel like, that’s what’s more interesting for people sometimes — it’s to get like a label on it, you know?

I have to ask you about the song “Girlfriend” because when I first saw the title and hadn’t heard it, I was like, “What’s this all about?”

[Laughs]

And now I realize what it’s about [a guy picking up another guy who has a girlfriend] and think it’s so genius. On the live in September you said you were a little nervous for people to hear it. Which I kind of get, except people need to understand — in the context of the song it might be a fantasy, but this is a real thing, that happens!

It is a real thing.

Yeah and I think a lot of people don’t realize or want to admit how much it’s a real thing.

Yeah, and like, how depressing it actually is. For the person that’s singing this. You know what I mean? I mean, it’s like a real thing when it comes to gay culture, it happens.

A lot, bro.

And you know why it happens? It’s because society makes gay people feel horrible about themselves, and things like making gay marriage illegal. You know, that is why stuff like this happens. And it’s — if you really get to the bottom of this, it’s really sad. Because imagine gay people in countries where it’s illegal.

As long as you know who you are, and you know that you’re a good person, and you’re not hurting anyone, then do whatever you want to do.

And everything is on the DL and actually dangerous.

In the dark! You know what I’m saying? And that’s very sad. But you know, I’m singing it in a fun way.

It is fun. And “Lose Me” which you co-wrote is remarkably upbeat for a breakup song. While it kind of laments the end of a relationship it also celebrates your new liberation, and that’s where the EP title Every Night Fantasy comes from.

I understand this is quite true to life?

“Lose Me” is a song that, I was in that moment, back then, when I wrote it. And that song is very happy! Even though it is a little sad, it’s also happy, because you feel free! And you feel like you can do whatever you want. So that’s how I’m still feeling, and how I was feeling back then, when I wrote It, you know? It’s just a fun and playful song.

Generally, in the past, have you been the type of person to go from relationship to relationship?

Oh no. No, I’ve only had three relationships in my life? Two of them were when I was a teenager, and they didn’t last for that long. And then one when I was older. But in between, like most of my life I’ve been single. I am a relationship guy, I think? But it’s just very hard for me to — if I’m gonna be in a relationship, it definitely has to feel right. The most important thing for me is trust. Like this person who’s gonna date me in the future has got to trust me. If you don’t trust me, then why are you dating me?

And yeah — I don’t really specifically write about a person, or an ex, it’s more so about...

So “Lose Me” wasn’t about one specific person?

It’s about my experience, and my journey within a relationship and breakup. But it’s not specifically about — and obviously people will think, “Ahh, yeah it’s about...” this person. But it’s like obviously I take inspiration from — life! But it’ll come from different places.

The song reminded me of my favorite line from the last season of Young Royals, where your mom — Simon’s mom — says to you, “Love shouldn’t be this hard.” And it shouldn’t! I always thought you should do a song with that title, “Love Shouldn’t Be This Hard.”

Oh, that’s a really sick idea! [Laughs]

So as you look to next year and hopefully an album, do you want to contribute to the writing more?

Oh yeah, I am definitely sitting in the studio, this whole November and December. Coming home, after this tour? I’m gonna be in the studio like 24-7, so expect like nothing on social media [laughs] cause I want to disappear in the studio. But it’s gonna be so relaxing and nice, I just really look forward to spending my days in the studio. All for the future album!

Is the plan to have the album out next year?

Hard to say, but hopefully next year. But in the later part of next year! [Laughs]

And I know you have posted about wanting to do more touring next year. Will that include coming back here?

I have no clue, and that’s what I love about my work. It’s like — it could be anything that takes me here, and I’m gonna come. So it’s hard to say, but right now we’re planning for a tour in 2025. I want to tour, and that’s what I’m gonna do, and I want to get to see a lot of the fans that didn’t get to see me — because I feel like this club tour, that I’ve done now, was just the teasing of what is to come.

You’ve recorded a lot in Spanish in the past. There’s only one Spanish track on the new EP but is that something you want to do more of moving forward? Now that you’re releasing in the States it seems to make a lot of sense.

Definitely! And hopefully to play Latin America next year, but we will take it piece by piece. Just step by step, but hopefully the whole year is gonna be touring.

Even though it’s your native land, I would imagine with Venezuela’s political situation, playing there is not an option?

Oh no, it’s not. Yeah I’m not going to Venezuela!

I know you moved to Sweden at age six. Have you been back to Venezuela much?

I haven’t been there since I was 12. Just to spend the holidays, with family. But then this whole thing happened, and now — I was a part of the new president’s [Edmundo González] campaign? On social media, everywhere? I did it along with a lot of other big celebrities, and actors, from Venezuela? Speaking about the issue, and saying that we stand by the new president, and not Maduro. [Note: González is widely believed to have won the election in July, but was forced to seek exile in Spain when government-controlled election authorities claimed authoritarian incumbent Nicolás Maduro had won.] So, the thing is, I think if I go to Venezuela now, I think they would put me in jail.

For your political involvement?

Yeah! They put people in jail, they kidnap families and shit, just for saying you don’t want Maduro? So I cannot go to Venezuela right now! [Laughs]

What about on the cultural side? We often think of Latin America, with its machismo and all, as not necessarily being as receptive to someone like you who presents and performs in visually, a...

Non-traditional?

Yeah, or unconventional look. I mean when you think about playing Latin America, that’s not an issue, or a concern for you, is it?

No. If they don’t like me, they don’t like me. [Laughs] and that’s about it! But I’ve been thinking about that a lot before, when I was younger, you know following like, Ricky Martin, and his story, and Latinos in general, it’s very as you say, machista? But it is what it is, you know? I’m not gonna change for anyone. I am who I am, and I’m gonna do the things that I like to do. And if that’s something that people like or don’t like, then it’s up to them. But I feel like good songs are good songs and I feel like if you get a Latin American hit, it’s gonna be a hit, whether you like me or not!

Last time we spoke we talked about Madonna and how her no-fucks attitude inspired you. Are there any other current artists who you admire? Gaga? Chappell Roan?

Chappell! I love Chappell, she’s just so cool...

I try not to be silent.

Not only as a performer but as someone else who speaks her mind, and even took some flack a while back for that. You were just talking about your involvement in the Venezuelan campaign. You know, some artists conspicuously avoid commenting on politics or anything remotely controversial. What’s you feeling on that?

The thing is with me, I try not to be silent, Because I don’t want to be silent about these issues that are going on, around the world, but something that I’m scared of is that I’m not a good writer. So like, whenever I want to speak my mind, I don’t know how to do that, like typing it down, you know what I mean? So my thing is I read what other people say and what other people write, and post. And that I share. But at the same time I feel like it’s not — I don’t feel it’s right to force people to say something. People need their time, and people need to learn about situations. You can’t forget that even though people might be famous and have big platforms and all, they’re still human beings. People will attack you on social media. And you are just a human being, so it can be very hard to get through that. Especially like I can’t even imagine how Chappell feels, because she from one day to another became this huge pop star, with millions of people screaming at her, telling her shit, saying this, saying that. And it’s like a crazy world!

The other big thing she’s written about is just setting personal boundaries. And now that all this has blown up for her, the idea that fans can just run up to her and...

Yeah! And that Chappell owes them things, owes the internet or owes the world apologies, explanations, and blah blah. I just have so much respect for that girl, 'cause she’s so cool, and brave and talented, and she has her boundaries. And I am like, my god, I want to be like Chappell.

We’re now about six months from when Young Royals ended, this show that changed your life and touched so many people, and now you’re back to music. Miley Cyrus, many years ago on SNL in her Bangerz era, in an effort to break with her past, joked that Hannah Montana had been “murdered” and later on Drag Race told RuPaul that Hannah had done “too many drugs.”

Yeah. [Laughs]

Now, I know you don’t want to “murder” Simon Eriksson, but is there a part of you that is thinking, “Okay people! Time to move on from Young Royals! I’m not Simon”? Or do you think people have moved on?

So, I feel like the biggest thing that you do will be the thing that you get known for. So, before Young Royals, it was always the band [FO&O] — “Omar from the band, Omar from the band.” And I felt like, “Ah, when will it come, the day when people will just say “Omar,” you know? And same thing with Young Royals. Like, a lot of people know that I am an artist, but some people will still yell, “Oh, the Young Royals guy!” or “Oh, Simon!” you know? And I’m fine with that, I don’t hate it. I don’t necessarily want people to move on, and forget about the show. I will never forget about the show. But something that I want is for people that have seen the show and know me as the actor, I want them to listen to my music. And I want them to understand that I’ve been an artist since I was 14 years old! And literally, not even an actor, really. I am an artist! That’s what I am and that’s what I’ve been doing, you know? My whole life.

Photography: Adam Falk