A display apparatus and a method for controlling display of a display apparatus are provided. The display apparatus includes a display; a communicator configured to receive control information from a remote control device; and a controller configured to control the display and the communicator. In a standby mode in which the display is powered off, the controller may control to change a state of the display apparatus from the standby mode into a pre-power on mode in response to first control information received from the remote control device, and the controller may control the display to display content in a normal mode which is changed from the pre-power on mode in response to second control information received from the remote control device.