Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour Makes Waves at the Kia Forum
In recent years, several pop stars have made their mark by selling out the Kia Forum for multiple nights. Harry Styles, for instance, had a 15-show residency in 2022, while Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish each performed four nights at the venue in 2024. Lady Gaga also took the stage for four shows this summer and is set to return for another four early next year. Now, adding to this list is Dua Lipa, the English dance-pop star who kicked off her four-night run at the Inglewood arena on October 4.
Dua Lipa’s performance marked the start of her Radical Optimism tour, which has already proven to be a hit with fans. The show was a celebration of dance music, featuring a mix of disco, R&B, club bangers, and house beats that kept the crowd engaged throughout the night.
A Night of High Energy and Choreography
Lipa opened the show with “Training Season,” standing atop a curved, wave-shaped platform flanked by 12 backing dancers. The performance showcased her confidence and flair, as she moved down the stage in a metallic gold body suit and matching knee-high boots. The song’s lyrics about moving on from past relationships resonated with the audience, setting the tone for an energetic night.
The set included a variety of acts, each highlighting different aspects of Lipa’s musical style. “End of an Era” featured dancers with white, feathered fans, creating a burlesque-inspired visual. “Break My Heart” saw Lipa held horizontally over the heads of her male dancers, adding a dramatic element to the performance.
One of the highlights of the night was “One Kiss,” which got the crowd moving to the club beats created in collaboration with Calvin Harris. The song’s infectious energy was a welcome change from the spectacle on stage, allowing the audience to participate fully.
Fan Interaction and Surprises
Early in the show, Lipa took time to interact with fans, taking selfies with a group of 11-year-old girls and listening to a young man share his long history of wanting to see her live. This personal touch added a warm and friendly atmosphere to the performance.
On the remote stage, after playing “These Walls” with her band, Lipa surprised the audience with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” The choice of song connected with the local audience, highlighting the tour’s focus on city-specific musical history.
A Visual Spectacle
Act III featured a video of Lipa’s voice giving exercise instructions before transitioning into a series of up-tempo tracks like “Physical” and “Electricity.” These songs were perfect for a workout, showcasing Lipa’s versatility as a performer.
Throughout the show, Lipa changed outfits frequently, from a bodysuit to a catsuit, stockings and garter belts, and sheer gloves over her elbows. Act IV saw her return in a sheer white slip dress from Balenciaga, performing some of her most romantic songs.
“How long, how long, can we stay like this together?” she sang, with a raw and emotional chorus. Her fiancé, Callum Turner, was spotted before the show, adding a personal touch to the performance.
A Memorable Finale
After performing “Happy For You” from the peak of the raised platform, Lipa sank through its floor to appear on the remote stage at the center of the Forum floor. “Love Again” provided a visual highlight of the night, as she sang encircled with a ring of rippling flames before the center of the platform rose on cables to continue her performance, hovering above both flames and fans.
She stayed aloft for “Anything For Love” before returning to earth to close out the main set with “Be The One,” another yearning love song with frequent blasts of confetti that punctuated the night.
Encore and Final Thoughts
The encore began with “New Rules,” a take-it-or-leave-me disco number that seamlessly transitioned into “Dance the Night,” her song from the “Barbie” soundtrack. “Don’t Start Now” followed, with the crowd joining Lipa on the chorus. The performance ended with “Houdini,” the first single from her “Radical Optimism” album, as Lipa disappeared until the second and third and fourth nights of this run of star-making shows.
