Global pop icon and three-time Grammy winner Dua Lipa brought her shimmering “Radical Optimism Tour” to TD Garden this fall, transforming the home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins into a dazzling dance floor, with hits from her latest album, “Radical Optimism.”
On Sept. 7, thousands of excited fans poured into TD Garden. The energy was electric inside – Dua Lipa was in town. This was my first time seeing her in concert, and I was so excited because her second studio album “Future Nostalgia” was one of my emotional support albums during the pandemic. I couldn’t wait to dance with my friends.
As the lights dimmed and the opening synths of “Training Season” pulsed through the arena, the crowd erupted. Dua Lipa rose from beneath the stage, covered in silver, bursting with confidence. “Are you someone that I can give my heart to?” she shouted.
For the next 90 minutes, Dua Lipa reminded Boston why she’s one of the leaders in the pop music industry. She moved effortlessly from the disco-style “Break My Heart” to the bass-heavy “Levitating,” while commanding the stage with balance and confidence. Between songs, she shouted, “Boston, you sound unbelievable tonight!” The audience sang along without missing a beat.
Unlike many pop tours who lean heavily on stage production, Dua Lipa’s “Radical Optimism Tour” felt like a celebration of dance and music. The visuals were sleek and oceanic – waves projected in blue and silver swirling like the album cover coming to life.
There were no long speeches or emotional pauses, just seamless transitions and the confidence of an artist who knows exactly who she is. The song list was tight, the sound was crisp, and the lighting design elevated every beat drop.
For many fans, this show was more than a concert. It was a reunion with the version of Dua Lipa who carried them through the late 2010s and early 2020s. She showed how far she has come after winning a 2019 Grammy for best new artist. Her movements were smoother, her voice was stronger, and her presence was more magnetic than ever.
As confetti rained down for the final time during “Houdini,” fans held hands, danced, and smiled through the haze of stage lights. Dua Lipa bowed, thanked Boston one more time, and disappeared into the dark , leaving behind a crowd that didn’t seem ready to leave. Walking out of TD Garden to the T, my friend and I kept laughing, trying to imitate the “One Kiss” dance moves that were once viral on social media. Maybe that’s the power of “Radical Optimism” – not pretending things are perfect, but dancing through them anyway.
Even offstage, Lipa seemed to embrace the city of Boston. On her Instagram, she posted some pictures from her day off, sharing pictures of dining at North End’s popular seafood restaurant Neptune Oyster, sipping martinis and eating lobster rolls.
While the North American leg of her tour has ended, the pop superstar has shows lined up in Latin America. The next time Dua Lipa brings her brand new album and infectious energy back to the stage, don’t miss the chance to dance the night away.
Are you a Dua Lipa fan too? Drop your favorite song in the comments section below. Click here for a comprehensive list of upcoming concerts in and around Boston.
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