Okay Dula Peeps listen up! Dua Lipa just kicked off the next leg of her Radical Optimism tour and she is already making waves. Forget the usual dance-pop for a minute because she just surprised everyone in Melbourne Australia with something totally unexpected: a killer cover of AC/DC's " Highway to Hell "! Yes seriously.
Highway to Hell Yeah! Dua Lipa Unleashes Her Inner Rocker in Melbourne
Dua launched the second half of her Radical Optimism tour in Melbourne and she decided to pay tribute to Australian rock legends AC/DC. She belted out a raw and powerful version of "Highway to Hell" and the crowd went wild. Fans at the Rod Laver Arena were singing along to every word of the chorus "I'm on a highway to hell" creating a seriously electric atmosphere. It is not every day you hear Dua Lipa channeling classic rock but she totally nailed it.
This Melbourne show was just the first of eight gigs in Australia. From there Dua is heading to New Zealand then Spain and France. Lucky folks in the US get ready because she is coming your way in September. Her US tour kicks off with two nights in Chicago starting September 5th and wraps up in Seattle on October 16th. Plenty of chances to catch the Radical Optimism tour!
Radical Optimism: The Album Behind the Tour is a Smash Hit
Dua's tour is all about her latest album Radical Optimism which dropped in May 2024. This record marks a new chapter for her musically. It is her first full album since 2022's Future Nostalgia and it sees her moving away from the disco vibes a bit and exploring new sounds. For Radical Optimism Dua said she was inspired by bands like Blur and Oasis plus other Brit-pop artists from her childhood. She even teamed up with Kevin Parker from Tame Impala to write and produce some of the singles like "Houdini" "Training Season" and "Illusion".
The album has been a massive success. It went straight to number one in eleven countries including the UK where it had the biggest debut for a UK artist in 2024. In the US it hit number two on the Billboard 200 chart and topped the Top Album Sales chart. Critics are loving it too. The New York Times called it "an album of nonstop ear candy" and Variety said it is "a joyous blast of pop savvy."
Fashion Alert: Dua's Tour Outfits Are Designer Dreams Come True
Of course a Dua Lipa tour is not just about the music it is also about the fashion! And her Radical Optimism tour outfits are next level. For this new leg she has debuted some seriously stunning stage looks. Prepare to be amazed Dula Peeps.
One standout look is a blush pink satin bustier created by Jean Paul Gaultier. Yes the legend behind Madonna's iconic Blond Ambition tour looks. Dua's bustier has glittery sheer halterneck straps lace-up details and sparkly knee-high boots giving off major pop queen energy. Another show-stopping outfit is a custom Balenciaga ensemble featuring a red faux-fur coat over a sequin-embellished red lace maxi dress. For some extra sparkle she rocked a custom Chanel black leotard covered in chunky silver chains and a matching necklace. And for a touch of elegance she sported a black lace catsuit with red shorts and a white feather stole by Valentino. Talk about designer overload!
It is a shame Versace is not featured in this lineup especially since Dua and Donatella Versace have collaborated before. But hey there is still time for more outfits right?
More Than Music: Dua Lipa's Superstar Status Beyond the Stage
Dua is not just a music superstar she has expanded her empire into other areas too. In 2022 she launched Service95 a global style culture and society platform. It includes a weekly newsletter a book club and her podcast "Dua Lipa: At Your Service". The podcast has gotten rave reviews and was named one of the best podcasts of 2022 by Spotify.
She has graced the covers of every major fashion magazine from Vogue to Elle and in 2023 she added "designer" to her list of achievements. She co-designed Versace's "La Vacanza" collection with Donatella Versace herself which Vogue called "the hottest collaboration of the summer." And let's not forget her hit song "Dance The Night" from the Barbie movie which earned her Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations.
Key Highlights of Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism Era:
- AC/DC "Highway to Hell" Cover: Surprise rock cover debuted in Melbourne Australia.
- Radical Optimism Album: Chart-topping album released in May 2024 inspired by Brit-pop.
- Radical Optimism Tour: Global tour spanning Australia New Zealand Europe and North America.
- High Fashion Stage Outfits: Custom designs from Jean Paul Gaultier Balenciaga Chanel and Valentino.
- Service95 Platform: Global editorial platform with newsletter book club and podcast.
- Versace Collaboration: Co-designed "La Vacanza" collection with Donatella Versace.
- "Dance The Night" Success: Hit song from Barbie nominated for Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards.
Dua Lipa: Pop Star Rocker Fashion Icon and All-Around Boss
Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism tour is proving to be something special. From rocking out to AC/DC to slaying in custom designer outfits she is showing her versatility and star power. Her new album is a hit her tour is selling out and she is expanding her reach beyond music. Dua Lipa is not just a pop star she is a force to be reckoned with and we cannot wait to see what she does next!