Dua Lipa is one of the biggest pop stars to come out of the UK in the last decade and after witnessing her mind-blowing show firsthand, it’s easy to see why she’s a household name who continuously pumps out hit after hit.
With the release of her third studio album Radical Optimism, Lipa has brought her global tour to Australian shores beginning with a sold-out, five-night stint in Melbourne, followed by another three nights in Sydney.
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Sunday nights are usually a night to wind down and prepare for the work week ahead, but heading out to see this sultry songstress and her high energy show meant a calm and relaxing evening was not on my bingo card for tonight. Selling out Rod Laver Arena is no mean feat, but to have five sellout shows for the one city under your belt is certainly a stellar achievement. Gathering at the doors was a predominantly younger crowd with a lot of parents being roped in to chaperone their young offspring, however I suspect they weren’t dragged here kicking and screaming as later on they all seemed to be enjoying the night as much as anyone else.
Warming up the crowd tonight was Australian singer-songwriter, Kita Alexander. Gracing the stage barefooted in a flowing ensemble which matched perfectly with the breezy pop feel of her music, she thoroughly entertained the masses that had arrived early to get a full night of entertainment. By the time Dua O’Clock rolled around, the arena was packed wall to wall with bodies and hot anticipation filling the air. Emblazoned on the screens was serene ocean wave scenery with accompanying music to match the vibe, which gradually peaked into Dua and her band appearing on stage in a sea of lighting effects and pyrotechnics as she opened with a killer rendition of the hit single from Radical Optimism, ‘Training Season’. The crowd were besotted with this opening number and responded accordingly with screaming, dancing and singing along. The show was essentially split into four acts with Act I including ‘Break My Heart’ and ‘One Kiss’, before it was time for an outfit change to kick off Act II with ‘Whatcha Doing’.
Dua is one of those artists who appears to be genuinely humble despite her global success, and her warm interactions with her fans proved this. Strolling along the barriers talking to fans in between songs taking numerous selfies and complimenting outfits, her kind and genuine nature shone through even when she jokingly pointed out “OK let’s hurry up, I need to get back to work now”. In the preceding four shows, Dua had added a surprise song to her setlist which included AC/DC’s ‘Highway To Hell’ and a guest appearance by Troy Sivan singing ‘Rush’, so the crowd was buzzing with what song we would be treated to for the last Melbourne show. The band relocated to the front of the catwalk stage in the middle of the room, as Dua then introduced Aussie singer songwriter Vance Joy to the stage with ukulele in hand to perform his hit ‘Riptide’. The crowd completely erupted with excitement and sang their little hearts out along to every word.
Image credit: Adam Portelli
Mixing in the new with the old, ‘Levitating’, ‘These Walls’, ‘Maria’ and ‘Hallucinate’ had the place jumping and those of all ages were up dancing and getting into party mode. ‘Physical’ had Dua leading everyone in an aerobics class which we all happily obliged, and at this point she could’ve told us to do anything and we would’ve cooperated. A spectacular light show, approximately four tonnes of confetti and glitter and energetic back-up dancers with their boundless energy, all contributed to what was a visually brilliant stage show with Dua’s vocal talent at the helm. Not to mention, she must be one of the fittest humans around with the way she simultaneously maintains her vocal strength whilst dancing her absolute butt off for the entirety of her set. With no less than four outfit changes, the hits kept coming with each act as ‘Love Again’ had Dua in a fitted red lace dress with the stage surrounded in a literal ring of fire, before she was raised in the air on a platform to sing ‘Anything For Love’ in which twinkling phone lights lit the entire arena.
‘Be The One’ was the superb icing on the Act IV cake to finish the show, and the pure joy emanating from everyone was contagious. Given the collective excitement flying around the room, it managed to entice Dua back to the stage for a tantalising encore. My personal favourite ‘New Rules’ kicked things off before a shortened remix of ‘Dance The Night’ led into ‘Don’t Start Now’. The last track was the aptly named ‘Houdini’ which was the perfect set up for Dua to do her disappearing act from the stage.
This magical show was a non-stop sing and dance fest, and given the passionate singing around us I dare say there were some croaky voices around Melbourne the next day. The whole gleeful vibe was just like a fun night dancing around your lounge room with a few girlfriends and a cheeky wine. Dua Lipa proved that she’s a superb live performer and the entire production was nothing short of brilliant.
Our Sydney neighbours are certainly in for a treat once she hits their city later this week, and my advice would be if you have the opportunity to see her then take it, because you certainly won’t regret it. Come back soon, Dua!
