Alessia Cara is giving fans a fresh look at some of the most beloved songs in her catalog. The GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter has released a captivating Giant Desk Concert performance ahead of her appearance at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Toronto today.
The intimate set highlights Cara’s versatility as both a vocalist and interpreter of her own work. Stripped down and reimagined, the performance moves through different chapters of her career while showcasing the warmth and nuance that have become hallmarks of her artistry.
Opening with a jazz-infused version of “Middle Ground,” Cara immediately establishes a relaxed atmosphere before moving into an intimate rendition of “I’m in Trouble” from her latest album ‘Love Or Lack Thereof’. She also revisits “Nighttime Thing” from 2025’s ‘Love & Hyperbole’ and delivers a compelling new take on “Shapeshifter.”
One of the performance’s standout moments arrives with “Here,” the song that introduced Cara to the world. For the Giant Desk Concert, she debuts an entirely new verse written exclusively for the session, adding a fresh perspective to one of the defining songs of her career.
Cara also performs a moving rendition of her global hit “Stay,” offering another reminder of the songwriting and vocal talent that have earned her fans around the world. The performance has already attracted attention from CBC, Vulture, Exclaim!, The Shade Room, iHeart Canada and several other outlets.
The release follows her recent compilation album ‘Love Or Lack Thereof’, a 12-track collection that revisits songs from across her catalog through a jazz and soul lens. The project reimagines familiar material while highlighting the musical growth and artistic evolution that have defined more than a decade of her career.
The collection also features collaborations with fellow GRAMMY Award winners Norah Jones and Nelly Furtado. Accompanying live-in-studio videos continue to expand the project’s intimate and reflective approach.
Later today, Cara returns to one of the biggest stages of her career as she performs at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in her home province of Ontario. The appearance places one of Canada’s most celebrated voices in front of a global audience as the tournament officially begins.
From “Here” to ‘Love Or Lack Thereof’, Alessia Cara continues to find new ways to connect with listeners. Her Giant Desk Concert is a beautifully crafted reminder of the depth, versatility and emotional honesty that have made her one of Canada’s most enduring musical voices.