Global pop superstar Dua Lipa achieved a monumental career milestone with her first-ever headline show at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium. Performing to a sold-out crowd of 70,000 fans, the concert was a deeply emotional experience for the 29-year-old artist, who described having “a lump in [her] throat” from the outset.
A Dream Realized at Wembley
Addressing the massive audience, Lipa shared her profound feelings, stating, “It feels really special to be here today,” and adding, “It feels like I’ve waited my whole life for this moment.” The Wembley performance marked a striking contrast to her first London gig a decade ago, which was attended by just 350 people. Looking out at the sea of fans, she confessed, “I’m so, so blown away.” This historic night places Lipa among a select group of female solo artists who have headlined the legendary venue, joining names like Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, P!NK, and Rihanna.
Dedication from fans was evident, with some even camping out since Thursday to secure their spot for the UK stadium debut, enduring temperatures exceeding 31C.
Surprise Appearance by Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay
A major highlight of the two-hour spectacle was a surprise guest appearance by Jay Kay, the charismatic frontman of the British funk band Jamiroquai. Lipa introduced him mid-set, hailing him as “a massive trailblazer for British music.” The duo delivered a special one-off performance of Jamiroquai’s classic 1996 hit, “Virtual Insanity” – a song that was released when Lipa herself was just one year old. Jay Kay, resplendent in a tasseled white cowboy jacket and pink jeans, expressed his own delight, calling it “a privilege and an honour to be on stage with you.” The unexpected duet sent waves of excitement through the audience, particularly among older fans who greeted Kay with screams of recognition.
A Powerhouse Performance of Chart-Toppers
Backed by twelve dancers and featuring multiple costume changes, Lipa tore through an extensive catalogue of her chart-topping hits. The show kicked off with a serene, new-agey wash of ocean sounds before smoothly transitioning into her 2024 single, “Training Season.” After a slow, orchestral opening verse, the band ignited, maintaining a relentless disco pulse for the remainder of the performance.
The setlist was packed with fan favourites, including “Physical,” “One Kiss,” “New Rules,” “Levitating,” “Electricity,” “Be the One,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Houdini.” The performance was characterized by pin-sharp choreography and a fiercely futuristic pop aesthetic, drawing comparisons to her acclaimed Glastonbury set the previous year. Lipa showcased her strong, resonant, and flexible voice, even incorporating a hint of the rasp inherited from her father, Albanian rock singer Dukajin Lipa. Her vocal prowess shone on tracks like “Falling Forever” and the Flamenco-flavoured “Maria.” Impressively, she maintained breath control despite demanding body-rolling dance routines, even instructing fans to “move those hips” during the intro to “Physical.”
Connecting with Fans and Career Reflections
Beyond the hits and choreography, Lipa took time to connect personally with fans at the front. She borrowed phones for selfies, signed records (a curious item for the front row of a stadium!), and even used a fan’s scarf to enhance her stage outfit. This simple, personal touch underscored why she resonates so deeply with her audience.
Reflecting on her rapid ascent, Lipa shared the significance of her early single “Hotter Than Hell,” which she credits with earning her a recording contract after being discovered by her manager Ben Mawson at age 17. Her breakout hit “New Rules” (2017) solidified her position, leading to multiple Brit Awards and three Grammy Awards. Both her 2020 album “Future Nostalgia” and the recent “Radical Optimism” reached number one on the UK charts. Her success has also seen her named the youngest individual on the Sunday Times 40 Under 40 Rich List and the most played artist across UK radio, TV, and public places for the second time by PPL.
An Encore and Simple Staging Success
Watched from the stands by her family and fiancé Callum Turner, Lipa concluded the night with a flawless four-song encore featuring some of her biggest anthems, including “New Rules,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Dance The Night.” The grand finale came with the psychedelic pop smash “Houdini,” building tension with a shredding guitar solo and fireworks before Lipa dramatically vanished in a cloud of smoke as the music cut out.
The production, while visually striking, eschewed the giant mechanical props and cutting-edge video walls seen at some other major stadium shows. Yet, it proved that elaborate technology isn’t necessary for a compelling performance. The focus remained on the strength of the songs, the precision of the choreography, and Lipa’s undeniable feel-good energy. This simpler approach had an added benefit: keeping ticket prices relatively affordable, with the most expensive seats costing £155, a significant difference compared to some summer stadium shows priced over £900.
This powerhouse performance solidified Dua Lipa’s status as a star at the peak of her powers, capable of commanding a massive stadium audience with sheer talent and charisma. The Radical Optimism tour continues with a second night at Wembley, followed by dates in Liverpool and London before heading to North America in September.
