Three-time Grammy Award-winning pop artist Dua Lipa released her third hit album, Radical Optimism, nearly a year and a half ago. But on Saturday at the lit up Kia Forum stadium in Los Angeles, I finally had the opportunity to see her live as a part of the Radical Optimism global tour, only a month before its conclusion.
The concert’s title at first didn’t make sense to me, but quickly, I realized that no other words could have better described the flamboyant performance of dance and song, the shocking laser, fire, and sparkler effects, and the contagiously positive feel of the album. From the start, as Lipa entered the stage in an explosion of colorful light to “Training Season,” the third song of the album, the concert was an enthralling invitation to join Lipa in a disco-esque dance party.
Lipa and her dancers’ execution of the choreography was excellent — clearly polished after more than 40 prior international concerts. The pop singer danced through the entirety of nearly all her songs without sacrificing her hallmark powerful vocals, while her group of 11 supporting dancers never ceased to amaze with fierce movements and synchronized visuals.
To the energetic tempo of songs like “Levitating” and “Physical,” the celebratory choreography reflected the characteristic vibrant and catchy mood in Lipa’s music. The party was further accentuated by blasts of confetti, showering the audience as Lipa strutted down the stage.
Lipa only halted her dancing for a few select songs when she stood in a ring of fire for “Love Again” and in her flawless cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” — a highlight of the concert unique to Los Angeles. In tribute to the country rock band, which recorded many of its top songs in LA, Lipa took center stage with her band and black feathers for the incredibly soulful rendition.
In anticipation of the final acts, I whispered to my friends, “I hope she plays ‘Houdini,’” but by the time Lipa said goodbye, I was still missing my favorite song. The lights went dark, signifying the end to the concert and I accepted my loss. But in a flash of light and boom of song, Lipa emerged, gilded in her metallic gold leotard, to perform the encore. She made her final, real goodbye with, “I’m not here for long. Catch me or I go, Houdini.”
Radical Optimism checked all my boxes, from fiery dance choreography to mesmerizing visual effects to melodic harmonies and infectiously catchy music. Lipa wowed her audience in both vocal quality and visible performance. Now, as I return to my normal day-to-day, I hope to capture a fraction of the concert’s vibrance and incorporate that same joyful freedom in my own life.
