Dua Lipa at the O2 Arena

Dua Lipa wows fans with her second night at the O2 arena, combining a euphoric mix of dance-pop and disco. Opener Physical is as energetic as you’d expect in one of the most highly anticipated locations artists dream to perform in. Lipa appears on stage with a fuchsia full-body suit, joined by ten dancers clad in bright red; the colours could have been different to create more contrast, but it still works.

Hit single New Rules is an immediate highlight, the dance choreography involving silver umbrellas; as proven throughout, Lipa and her ensemble take the limelight. Strutting down the runway, the singer’s signature sultry vocals are on point, effortlessly shifting from falsetto and easing into deeper notes. The refreshing Cool (Future Nostalgia) is pleasingly 80s-inspired, with shimmering synthesiser and two incredible performers breakdancing on rollerblades, an exquisite guitar solo finishing off the sparkling song, exuding waves of pleasure.

The singer wastes no time in between songs. Despite being in her absolute element, she doesn’t shy away from opening up to fans about her nerves playing such an esteemed venue, a lifelong dream. The first act is finished off with Be the One, the first single from her debut album, backing singers taking centre stage at the end, a very fun highlight.

An idiosyncratic addition to the set is a large lobster that appears following a short video of Lipa escaping its clutches just in time, the sea creature bopping to We’re Good. The artist observes two audience members singing their hearts out and dedicates Good in Bed to them: tonight’s all about spreading joy. Angèle, one of Belgium’s hottest stars, joins Lipa for Fever, a subdued electro-pop duet, another hit with the crowd, her soft vocals perfectly complementing Lipa’s.

In the third act, dubbed Club, tracks including Boys Will Be Boys (Zach Witness Remix), Cool (Jayda G Remix) and Levitating (The Blessed Madonna Remix) are interspersed with elements from Hollaback Girl, Disco’s Revenge and Get Ur Freak On, the dancers again presenting their showstopping quality. It wouldn’t be a complete performance without the audience holding up their lit phones during Cold Heart (Pnau Remix) which brings everyone together; Lipa has achieved a lot in her career, and this collaboration with Elton John is just the tip of the iceberg.

For the final act, the vocalist literally ascends from a lighting rig during Levitating, almost close enough to touch, an incredible feat of stage management and artistic direction. Lipa is on top form tonight, an exuberant joy from beginning to end.

Selina Begum
Photos: Samir Hussein

For further information and future events visit Dua Lipa’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Sweetest Pie here: