Exclusive:Meet THERA: the rising pop star opening for Jason Derulo in Leeds tonight

Drawing comparisons to Billie Eilish for her atmospheric, dark-pop sound and introspective songwriting, she has quickly become one of Central Europe's most compelling exports.

After going viral with hits like ‘stain’ and ‘DLTTI,’ which have amassed millions of streams across TikTok and Spotify, she made history as the first-ever Czech artist to be named a Global Ambassador for Spotify’s EQUAL initiative.

Following on from her support slot with Eurovision winner Loreen in 2025, tonight marks her big debut in Leeds, opening for Jason Derulo at the First Direct Bank Arena as part of the R&B superstar’s The Last Dance world tour - and speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post ahead of her support slot, she admits: “I genuinely cannot wait.”

For THERA, the tour is about more than just personal success, but also about putting her home country on the map. "It’s such an honour," she explains, "knowing that with my music I can represent the Czech Republic makes me really proud.

“It motivates me to push the boundaries of what is possible and show that with passion, you can achieve anything, no matter where you are from."

Her name itself is derived from ‘Therapy,’ - apt considering that she treats her works as a raw emotional outlet. While sharing private feelings with thousands of strangers was initially intimidating, the stage has become a sanctuary.

"I was scared what people would think at first," she admits. "But now, seeing that people resonate with my lyrics, it’s built a safe space for me to be vulnerable. Knowing that my music has helped my fans motivates me to continue sharing those raw moments."

This ‘dark-pop’ aesthetic wasn't a calculated choice, but in her words “more like the style chose me, rather than me choosing it. The shift has been happening due to me finding my voice and shaping what I want this new era to sound like."

Lessons from a Eurovision Icon

Having recently toured with two-time Eurovision winner Loreen, THERA arrives in Leeds with a wealth of experience.; from learning the grit of travelling city-to-city to performing every night, she credits the ‘Tattoo’ singer with her newfound confidence.

"I learned so many things about myself and what was needed to succeed on that stage. I will forever be grateful to her for her words of encouragement and for telling me to trust myself while entering this new stage of my career."

Despite her global trajectory, THERA has a soft spot for the UK scene.

While she prepares her theatrical stage presence with movement and choreography, she finds comfort in British artists like Adele and Olivia Dean. "We listen to a lot of Olivia with the band on the bus," she shares.

As for the setlist, fans can expect an emotional journey, particularly when she performs her first-ever song, 'rain.'

"It connects to a very personal time in my life. I got very emotional during the London O2 Arena show, realising how far I have come and how I turned such a dark moment into something beautiful.

This would have never happened without my 'angels' [the fandom]."

Summing up the THERA experience for the Leeds crowd in three words, she settled on a perfect mission statement: "Confidence, emotions, and party."

But is there anything that she’ll be bringing to the city with her that she can’t leave at home while on tour?

"It’s not something that is in my suitcase, but rather my necklace that I wear every night," she reveals. "I have a necklace from my mum with the letter K for my given name.

It’s something I keep with me as a good luck charm, and to have my family always with me."

Check out more of THERA’s works by visiting her website, Instagram or by streaming her music on Deezer. Doors for Jason Derulo open at 6pm this evening, with an expected start time for THERA of 6:45pm.