Pop star Rita Ora added a burst of music and pop culture to the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne. She performed for thousands of race fans gathered at the circuit on Saturday, March 7.
Her appearance was part of the Grand Prix’s entertainment lineup. The event often combines world-class motorsport with live music performances. Ora’s set quickly became one of the highlights of the weekend. Fans filled the venue and shared clips of the performance across social media shortly after she stepped on stage.
During the show, Ora spoke about her connection to Australia. “I feel like the universe literally just keeps bringing me back to Australia and it’s the coolest thing ever,” she told the crowd. She also joked that she loves performing there so much that she sometimes wonders why she does not live in the country yet.
The performance also reflected Ora’s sense of celebration and inclusivity. Speaking to the audience, she referenced the Formula 1 setting while acknowledging her LGBTQ+ fans. “I know it’s F1, but I’m gonna call this Pride One… because everywhere I go, I bring my queens,” she said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Her appearance also showed how the Formula 1 Grand Prix has grown into a major cultural event. The race weekend now blends sport, music, and entertainment. Major artists often headline performances around the race. This helps create a festival-like atmosphere for fans around the world.
Beyond the stage, Ora remains active across music, television, and film. She continues to release new songs and collaborate with artists in pop and electronic music. She has also appeared as a judge and host on several international television shows.
The singer has also spoken openly about her personal life in recent years. She married filmmaker Taika Waititi in a private ceremony in Los Angeles in 2022. In interviews, she said the relationship is built on strong friendship. She has also shared that becoming a stepmother to Waititi’s two daughters changed her perspective on life. According to Ora, family and everyday moments now carry greater meaning.
Meanwhile, her music career continues to evolve. Ora recently teased a new project following the release of her latest track “All Natural.” She described the upcoming era as more raw and vocally exposed.
She also said she pushed herself outside her usual sound while working with producer Joel Little. Little is known for working with artists like Lorde and Taylor Swift. The new material aims to highlight her voice in a more honest and stripped-back way.
Ora has been releasing music for more than a decade. Her catalog includes global hits such as “Black Widow” with Iggy Azalea and “For You,” her duet with the late Liam Payne from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack.
Her Melbourne performance showed that Formula 1 is not only about racing. The event has also become a global stage for music and entertainment. Rita Ora’s set proved she knows exactly how to energize a crowd.
