Live Update: Dua Lipa – Wembley Stadium, London

      Dua Lipa's sold-out performance on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium was more than just a concert; it was a royal affair.

      Marking a decade since her first show in London, the Radical Optimism world tour made its grand entrance at the UK's largest venue, full of excitement (and numerous fireworks), solidifying her place as a true global icon.

      From the very beginning, when crashing waves filled the stage screens and Dua appeared in a sparkling silver leotard to kick off with ‘Training Season,’ the atmosphere was electric. The audience of 70,000 barely had a moment to breathe during the 23-song set as she navigated a tightly choreographed performance surrounded by dancers moving in perfect unison. The show was executed with such precision that it sometimes felt overly rehearsed, lacking a touch of spontaneity.

      Nevertheless, the spectacle was impressive. ‘Break My Heart’ received a darker, bass-heavy remix, while the crowd favorite ‘One Kiss’ led to a spirited singalong, accompanied by confetti and one of five costume changes throughout the evening. Showgirl feathers adorned the performance of ‘End of an Era,’ and a sultry chair routine added allure to ‘Whatcha Doin’.’ Dua’s signature smoky vocals were consistently strong, confident, and clear amidst the nonstop dancing.

      Continuing her tradition of featuring a special musical guest from each tour stop, anticipation was high for Dua's duet partner for the night, especially after Friday's Wembley show included Jamiroquai for ‘Virtual Insanity.’ The crowd erupted in excitement when she announced “total brat” Charli XCX as the surprise guest for Saturday, and the cheers intensified as they performed Charli’s catchy hit, ‘360.’

      A brief rain shower during ‘Maria’ offered the eager fans a slight break before Dua intensified the energy once more with a set of high-energy tracks from her Future Nostalgia era, including ‘Physical,’ ‘Electricity,’ and ‘Hallucinate.’

      After yet another outfit change into a vibrant royal blue sequined ensemble, the night shifted to a ballad segment, featuring ‘Falling Forever’ and ‘Happy For You.’ In a rare moment of stillness during the otherwise dynamic show, Dua performed ‘Anything for Love’ solo, illuminated by phone lights against a starry backdrop, with only the piano accompanying her.

      As the show came to a close, Dua took a moment to reflect, expressing her gratitude for the journey of the last decade, attributing it all to her breakthrough song, ‘Be the One.’ This heartfelt conclusion was highlighted by a run along the barricade where fans reached out to touch the star.

      Following a dramatic false exit where Dua wished the audience goodnight, glitchy, futuristic sounds introduced ‘New Rules,’ kicking off a high-energy encore. Dressed in a head-to-toe Versace outfit, she infused BICEP's track ‘Glue’ into the performance, adding a rave feel complete with strobe lights. The evening revisited the hit ‘Don’t Start Now’ before the grand finale, ‘Houdini,’ lit up the sky with fireworks.

      Exhibiting almost superhuman stamina, Dua sang, danced, and glided her way through two and a half hours of pop excellence. She may have begun the night as a pop star, but by the end, she transformed into something far more significant: a maestro in a fur coat adorned with the Union Jack, orchestrating a stadium of devoted fans with a smile that revealed her awareness of the influence she possesses.