For Dua Lipa — and for every pop star of her magnitude — some “rules” never change, no matter how much the music industry evolves. One of them dictates that a global pop star must dominate on the grandest scale: before massive audiences, in vast arenas, on monumental stages.
Dua Lipa has already achieved this, despite her young age. There is no iconic venue or major festival where she hasn’t performed. She may well be the most outstanding performer of her generation, a figure whose influence extends far beyond music. In January, she became the youngest person included in the Sunday Times “Rich List 40 under 40,” with 2024 earnings exceeding £100 million — a sum that included her commercial and sponsorship deals.
photos by Madison Phipps
At the historic Madison Square Garden, she has performed before. “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” as the saying goes — and Dua Lipa returned once more to spread her “radical optimism” along Seventh Avenue. Radical Optimism is both the title of her tour and her latest third studio album. The audience responded enthusiastically, giving her four consecutive sold-out nights.
Conquering Madison Square Garden
The first thing that strikes you is the sheer scale. The stage unfolds on two visible levels — with underground corridors — and features a long runway ending in a smaller circular platform near the center of the arena. Despite its size, there is still space for nearly 20,000 spectators.
The second impression is how New York’s vastness overshadows everything. Even with Dua Lipa selling out Madison Square Garden, for the city it’s just another Sunday afternoon. Only after passing the first security check does one begin to feel the concert’s pulse — surrounded by retro and modern photos of the New York Knicks.
photos by Madison Phipps
That’s the nature of multi-purpose arenas. One evening they’re filled with groups of young women dressed in sequins, sipping bubble tea, and the next, fans in blue and orange caps arrive for an NBA preseason game. The setting feels more like a supermarket than a concert hall with its own mythic glow.
Dua Lipa, a goddess on stage
Such conditions demand presence — both artistic and physical. Dua Lipa appeared to the sound of “Training Season,” emerging from tidal waves projected from her Radical Optimism album cover that engulfed every inch of the enormous screens. Dressed in gold — a shimmering bodysuit and golden boots — and flanked by 14 dancers, she radiated brilliance.
During the first part of the show, which peaked with “One Kiss,” she stepped down into the arena, engaging with fans in the front rows. It wasn’t a formal or brief interaction — she gave them time to speak to her freely and didn’t refuse a single selfie, often taking the initiative herself and asking for their phones.
The second act was undoubtedly the most atmospheric and sensual of the evening. Appearing alone on stage in black lace and gloves, she performed “Whatcha Doin’,” channeling a cabaret artist with just a chair and later joined by a single male dancer. Dynamic, commanding, and full of confidence, she left no room for the stage to overwhelm her — nor for the audience to doubt her intent: she would accept nothing less than to be worshipped like a goddess, allowing not a single gaze to drift away.
The balance between self-possessed sensuality and that which caters to the heteronormative gaze was delicate. At moments, she seemed to lose it briefly — yet her flawless voice and tireless dancing, never once out of breath, reminded everyone of her exceptional artistic caliber.
The Dua Lipa–Lenny Kravitz duet
Then came the first electrifying highlight of the night with “Levitating” from Future Nostalgia — and a surprise guest appearance by Lenny Kravitz.
“New York is cool, but tonight’s guest is even cooler,” she said nervously from the microphone before the American star appeared on stage. Together they performed “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over.” In a stunning shift, Dua Lipa transformed from Amazonian powerhouse to gracious hostess, gazing admiringly at her guest.
photos by Madison Phipps
A brief aside: the British-Albanian artist’s choice of guests is exemplary. She’s built her own tradition — no one shares her stage by chance, whether it’s New York, Glastonbury, or Sydney. She shares the spotlight with them for only a few minutes — yet every one of those minutes counts.
A meticulously crafted show in every detail
The show soon shifted into full party mode. Dua Lipa let loose, diving into the irresistible Future Nostalgia. She commanded the stage, moving effortlessly from one end to the other — even soaring through the air inside a ring of fire, draped in a faux Balenciaga fur coat, during a literally and figuratively blazing rendition of “Love Me Again” that electrified the entire arena.
For the encore, she saved only her biggest hits: “New Rules,” “Dance the Night,” and “Don’t Start Now” — selections that clearly mark what she considers her strongest musical cards.
photos by Madison Phipps
Dazzling and radiant, she seemed wrapped in the stardust of pop fame. Climbing the stage steps as she sang the final chorus of “Houdini,” she vanished before our eyes — “catch me or I go Houdini.”
If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. And if Dua Lipa can stage such a perfectly crafted, tight show for what is arguably her least artistically ambitious album, imagine what she will achieve when the truly great songs arrive — and she’s only 30.
