Laufey says there is still one onstage habit that makes her nervous, even after performing in arenas around the world: looking directly into an audience member’s eyes, according to Billboard.
In an interview with The Hit Network’s Hot Hits with Nic & Loren, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter said the fear goes back to her classical music training. She recalled growing up playing cello and being told by a teacher after a recital that looking straight at people while performing could come across as creepy.
Laufey said that advice stayed with her, and she now worries about making fans uncomfortable. She added that the only time she intentionally looks into the crowd is during “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self,” her set closer, when she tries to find young girls in the audience.
She said that can be emotional, though, because some of those fans are already crying and it makes her tear up too. Laufey also said arena shows feel more intimate to her than smaller theaters, and joked that she has even been recognized for her Fortnite character.
The comments come during a major stretch for the Icelandic-Chinese artist. Her album A Matter of Time reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 in September 2025 and later won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards, her second straight win in that category, according to Billboard.
