Dua Lipa brings her latest album Radical Optimism to life at London’s Royal Albert Hall with a special appearance by Elton John. Find out more about the show and setlist.
Dua Lipa brought her latest album Radical Optimism to life with a one-of-a-kind concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Thursday night (Oct. 17). The performance, which was taped for an upcoming TV special, featured a 53-piece orchestra and a surprise duet with Elton John during the encore.
Dua Lipa's Orchestral Performance Brings New Life to Radical Optimism
The sold-out show at the historic Royal Albert Hall marked a significant departure from Dua Lipa’s usual high-energy performances. Wearing a stunning red Jean Paul Gaultier dress, Lipa was joined on stage by The Heritage Orchestra, conducted by Ben Foster, and a 14-member choir. The orchestral arrangements added new depth to the tracks from her latest album Radical Optimism, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in May.
“This show is unlike anything I’ve done before,” Lipa said, addressing the crowd. She explained that the new arrangements allowed her to “go to the bare bones of the songs,” giving fans a fresh, more intimate experience. The concert featured live debuts of Radical Optimism tracks such as “End of an Era” and “French Exit,” along with reimagined versions of her previous hits.
Elton John Joins Dua Lipa for a Special Cold Heart Duet
One of the evening’s highlights came during the encore when Elton John joined Dua Lipa for a special live rendition of their 2021 hit “Cold Heart.” The song, which combines elements of John’s classics “Rocket Man” and “Sacrifice,” became a global success upon its release. Fans were thrilled to see the duo reunite, having previously performed the track live together at John’s 2022 concert at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium.
Lipa and John’s collaboration was a fitting climax to the night, with the iconic Royal Albert Hall serving as the perfect backdrop for their electrifying duet.
Radical Optimism and Future Nostalgia: A Unique Setlist at the Royal Albert Hall
The setlist for the evening blended songs from Lipa’s most recent album Radical Optimism with hits from her previous releases, including Future Nostalgia. Tracks like “Houdini” and “Training Season” were given a new sound with added string and horn sections, while fan favorites “Levitating” and “Don’t Start Now” provided a nostalgic touch.
Lipa also performed a surprise cover of Cleo Sol’s “Sunshine,” adding another layer of emotion to the evening. The stripped-down, orchestral arrangements gave her music a sense of maturity and showcased her evolution as an artist.
Lipa’s New Arrangements Highlight Her Growth as an Artist
Throughout the concert, Dua Lipa expressed how much thought and care went into creating the evening’s special performance. She described the show as a long-term dream and explained that the new arrangements allowed her to explore her music in a deeper way.
“I’ve been thinking about this show for a very long time,” Lipa told the audience. “Taking it very seriously.” The intricate orchestration not only transformed the songs from Radical Optimism but also demonstrated Lipa’s growth and versatility as an artist.
Dua Lipa’s First U.K. Performance Since Glastonbury
The Royal Albert Hall show was Dua Lipa’s first U.K. performance since her headline set at Glastonbury Festival earlier this year. While her Glastonbury set was packed with high-energy pop anthems and dazzling choreography, the Royal Albert Hall concert offered a more subdued, reflective experience.
Lipa’s decision to forgo her usual dancers for most of the set added to the evening’s intimacy, with the troupe only joining her for the encore performance of her Barbie soundtrack hit, “Dance The Night.”
What’s Next for Dua Lipa: Asia Tour and Wembley Stadium
Dua Lipa is far from done with the Radical Optimism era. After the Royal Albert Hall performance, Lipa will continue her tour in Asia this November. Looking ahead to 2025, she will take the stage for two sold-out shows at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, further cementing her status as one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
The concert at the Royal Albert Hall was filmed for an upcoming television special, with details expected to be announced soon. Fans who couldn’t attend the London show will have the chance to experience the magic once the special airs.
Dua Lipa Royal Albert Hall setlist:
- “End of an Era”
- “Houdini”
- “Levitating”
- “Maria”
- “French Exit”
- “Sunshine” (Cleo Sol cover)
- “Training Season”
- “These Walls”
- “Whatcha Doing”
- “Love Again”
- “Pretty Please”
- “Illusion”
- “Falling Forever”
- “Anything For Love”
- “Happy For You”
- “Cold Heart” (with Elton John)
- “Be The One”
- “Dance The Night”
- “Don’t Start Now”
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