Dua Lipa, pop’s disco sophisticate, rides her ‘Radical Optimism’ into the Forum

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In today’s pop music world, where being open about personal struggles often leads to attention, Dua Lipa stands out as someone who remains consistently poised and professional.

Following the very public disagreement between Taylor Swift and Charli XCX, Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism‘ tour arrives at the Forum to demonstrate that artists can still create popular songs and maintain a private personal life.

Dua Lipa kicked off her Forum show on Saturday with a nearly three-hour performance that didn’t seem to faze her. Known for her polished and energetic disco-pop, she delivered all her popular songs with captivating and sharp choreography. As she has been doing throughout the tour, she included a cover song specific to the city she was performing in – this time it was Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” She’s recently covered songs by Manu Chao, AC/DC, and Indila as well.

Despite the current trend in fan culture towards drama, negativity, and complicated stories, Dua Lipa consistently presents herself with strong values and a refined image, even launching a well-received book club.

This tour feels like a turning point for Dua Lipa, suggesting she’s moving away from chasing quick fame and focusing on a long-term career as an artist who creates meaningful albums and captivating live shows. Her latest album, “Radical Optimism,” which features production from well-respected artists like Kevin Parker, Andrew Wyatt, and Danny L Harle, reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200—her highest chart debut to date. However, unlike her previous album “Future Nostalgia,” which produced massive hit singles, “Radical Optimism” didn’t launch any immediately iconic songs.

It’s hard to imagine anyone topping her impact – she deserved to be paid by the National Health Service for how much her songs like “Don’t Start Now,” “Levitating,” and “Physical” boosted people’s spirits during 2020. While her recent singles haven’t reached the top 10 – “Dance the Night” from the *Barbie* soundtrack in 2023 and “Houdini” only reached number 11 – this tour still sold out four nights in Los Angeles. It’s easily the most inventive, demanding, and musically impressive tour of her career.

The concert featured a fantastic live band and genuinely heartfelt vocals, making it a truly top-tier pop performance that felt authentic and lasting. Dua Lipa connected with her fans by walking through the crowd, greeting them, and taking selfies – a personal touch no online experience can replicate.

With the energetic start of songs like “Training Season” and “Break My Heart,” Dua Lipa quickly established herself as a go-to artist for Pride celebrations, delivering classic deep-house and neo-disco tracks. She’s proven those early comments about her cool demeanor wrong – Lipa has become a truly dynamic performer and dancer, all while maintaining the powerful, smoky vocals reminiscent of ‘90s house music. She’s arguably the artist most deserving of a Pilates endorsement.

With songs like the emotional ballad “These Walls,” the powerful “Happy For You,” and her take on Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” Dua Lipa demonstrated her versatility, proving she’s capable of much more than just the upbeat, polished pop music she’s famous for. While the recorded version of “Anything For Love” features playful banter with her producers, she performed it live as a grand, heartfelt piano ballad, taking center stage on a raised platform.

Her songs, especially those inspired by the atmosphere of Majorca like “Maria,” have a naturally carefree vibe that feels perfect for warm summer evenings and will likely remain popular for years to come. While other artists might be better for when you’re feeling down, Dua Lipa’s music is all about celebrating the best moments in life.

Dua Lipa ended her Forum show with strong performances of hits like “New Rules” and “Houdini,” solidifying her success. By combining passionate beliefs – from advocating for peace to embracing thoughtful songwriting – she’s set herself up for a lasting and impactful career. Now, she deserves a break!

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2025-10-06 00:31