It’s been a quiet couple of years for Sia, but 2026 is shaping up to be a major comeback year. The Australian singer‑songwriter is not only working on new material but also preparing for intimate live performances—and, in a twist, her name is popping up in an entirely different industry: aviation.
New Music and Late‑Night Gigs
Sources confirm that Sia has been in the studio with long‑time collaborator Jesse Shatkin, crafting a follow‑up to her 2023 album Reasonable Woman. While no official title or release date has been announced, insiders say the record leans into a stripped‑back, piano‑driven sound—a return to the raw emotion of her early work.
In addition to the album, Sia is planning a series of exclusive late‑night performances. A licensing application from St Helens Council reveals that a bar called Empire (located at 13‑19 Westfield Street) is seeking permission to host live music and dancing until 3 am. While the application is filed by promoter Luke Beddow, sources close to the venue hint that “a major international artist” is lined up for a residency. Sia’s camp has neither confirmed nor denied the rumours, but the timing and location align with her known interest in small, immersive shows.
A Surprise Aviation Connection
In a different headline, Sia’s name has surfaced in connection with a joint venture between Air India and SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC)—a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Group, which owns 25.1% of Air India. On July 18, 2026, the two companies signed an MoU to explore a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. Sia herself has no direct role in the deal, but the singer—who recently invested in sustainable aviation fuel startups—has been linked to the venture through her environmental advocacy. Industry insiders speculate that Sia may join the project as a brand ambassador, focusing on the eco‑friendly aspects of the MRO hub.
Turbulence Incidents Raise Safety Questions
While the MRO news is forward‑looking, recent turbulence incidents on Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights in June 2025 have cast a shadow. Two separate events injured eight cabin crew members, two seriously. The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau released reports in late June 2026 detailing the accidents:
- Flight SQ 832 (Singapore‑Shanghai): Encountered severe turbulence during descent on June 27, 2025. One crew member suffered serious injuries; five had minor injuries.
- Flight TR 114 (Singapore‑Guangzhou): Hit clear‑air turbulence over Vietnam on June 10, 2025. One crew member was seriously injured; another sustained minor injuries.
Sia, who frequently flies with Singapore Airlines for her tours, took to social media to express concern, writing: “My heart goes out to the crew and their families. Safety always comes first.”
What’s Next
With new music, potential late‑night shows, and a growing interest in aviation sustainability, Sia is proving she’s more than just a pop star. Fans can expect an official album announcement later this year, along with dates for the rumoured Empire residency. Whether or not the St Helens gig materialises, one thing is clear: Sia’s second act is just beginning.
