Lionel Richie Joins Dua Lipa for a Memorable Performance in LA
Last night, fans were treated to a surprise appearance by Lionel Richie during the third night of Dua Lipa‘s “Radical Optimism” Tour at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. The iconic singer performed his classic hit “All Night Long,” reminiscent of the Commodores’ Caribbean sound, alongside Lipa, making the show even more unforgettable.
A Tribute to Classic Hits
Dua Lipa’s setlist is a delightful mix of classic hits, consistently paying homage to the sounds of the ’70s, disco, and ’80s. In her Miami performance, she included Gloria Estefan’s catchy “Conga,” captivating audiences with her ability to blend contemporary pop with nostalgic tunes.
On the opening night in LA, Lipa impressed the audience by swapping her shimmering Jean Paul Gaultier corset for a stunning black lacy Gucci catsuit. As she brought her band and backup singers to a central platform, she delivered a powerful rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 hit, “The Chain.” Lipa’s mezzo-soprano voice truly shone during these moments, allowing fans to connect deeply with her music.
An Engaging Experience for All
Was the “Radical Optimism” show entertaining? Absolutely! The sold-out crowd, featuring a diverse mix of moms, young girls, older couples, and twentysomethings, wholeheartedly agreed. Lipa effortlessly brings the energy and groove to her performances, making it a night to remember.
However, Lipa’s concert comes amid a competitive landscape of major pop tours, including Madonna’s “The Celebration Tour,” Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” The Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn,” Lady Gaga’s “The Mayhem Ball,” and Sabrina Carpenter’s upcoming “Short n’ Sweet Tour.” Standing out in such high-profile company is no easy feat.
A Unique Performance Style
To captivate audiences, artists must find a unique gimmick that sets them apart. Lipa’s straightforward approach—focusing on song and dance without unnecessary melodrama—echoes the style of Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics Tour. While Aguilera’s performances showcased powerful female anthems, Lipa offers escapist tunes, perfect for feel-good moments (think Barbie’s “Dance the Night Away”) and empowering messages for women.
Despite wrapping up her encore with “Houdini,” the overall pace of the show felt somewhat rushed. The Saturday night concert, though it started 20 minutes late, concluded by 10:45 PM—much shorter than the two and a half hours of Gaga’s performances.
Highlights of the Evening
However, it’s during Lipa’s slower songs that she truly captivates her audience. Her tender delivery in “Training Season” builds suspense, while “Maria” enthralls with an emotional rhythm and her stunning single performance alongside a dancer. The highlight of the night might have been her a cappella rendition of “Anything for Love,” showcasing her vocal prowess.
Lipa’s dance skills are undeniable, and she remains an energetic force onstage, constantly moving alongside her backup dancers. This level of choreography distinguishes her from other popular acts, making her a standout performer.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dua Lipa
There’s much to be optimistic about as Dua Lipa embarks on her “Radical Optimism” journey—only the third headlining tour of her career, following her 2017 self-titled tour and the 2022 Future Nostalgia Tour. Fans are eager to see how she will evolve as an artist with each performance, continuing to deliver an engaging stage presence.
Choreography and Design Team
- Choreographer: Charm La’Donna
- Production Designer: Matt Pitman of Pixelmappers
- Tour Director: Peter Abbott
- Tour Creative Director: David Black
Night One Setlist
Act I
- “Training Season”
- “End of an Era”
- “Break My Heart”
- “One Kiss”
Act II
- “Whatcha Doing”
- “Levitating”
- “These Walls”
- Cover: “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Maria”
Act III
- “Physical”
- “Electricity”
- “Hallucinate”
- “Illusion”
Act IV
- “Falling Forever”
- “Happy for You”
- “Love Again”
- “Anything for Love”
- “Be the One”
Encore
- “New Rules”
- “Dance the Night”
- “Don’t Start Now”
- “Houdini”
Dua Lipa continues to shine, keeping the party alive and leaving audiences eager for her next big performance.