Dua Lipa has officially kicked off her Australian leg of the 'Radical Optimism' tour with excitement and surprise. The pop sensation performed the first of five sold-out shows at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on March 17, 2025, captivating the audience with both her familiar hits and a special tribute to Australia.
Fans lucky enough to be at the concert were delighted when Lipa decided to cover the classic AC/DC song, 'Highway to Hell.' This rendition not only marked her return to Australia but also showcased her ability to traverse musical genres, tapping gently yet powerfully on the iconic rock anthem. Videos of her performance spread quickly on social media, with admirers eagerly calling for the artist to explore her rock side even more. One fan exuberantly tweeted, "dua lipa covered highway to hell tonight in melbourne! rock album next please 🙏,” highlighting the anticipation for what could come next from this diverse talent.
During the concert, Dua Lipa treated the audience to songs from her entire discography, including tracks from her self-titled 2017 debut album, the critically acclaimed 2020 project 'Future Nostalgia,' and her latest release, 'Radical Optimism.' The setlist featured hits like 'Break My Heart,' 'Levitaring,' and the long-awaited performance of 'Maria,' bringing both energy and emotional depth to the night.
Recognized for her impressive vocal range, Lipa's performance was marked by her signature pop style and her nod to rock, which left many fans roaring with approval. Addressing the crowd before her cover, she shared, ‘I had this crazy idea...we thought we’d go from the very beginning,’ expressing her desire to honor local Australian music by tapping the classic rock anthem.
The Melbourne concert marked the beginning of Lipa's Australia tour, which will feature additional shows at Rod Laver Arena over the following days, as well as upcoming performances at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. On March 26, 2025, she will perform her first of three sold-out shows there, which are already generating buzz among fans eager to witness her dynamic performances.
Following her Australian stint, Dua Lipa will head to New Zealand for two sold-out shows, before moving on to Europe and the United States, where she will perform at venues including Chicago and Seattle later this year. The Australian tour features eight shows, showcasing her continued popularity and demand, especially following her previous tour, which earned significant acclaim and revenue.
Back on her previous tour, Lipa brought her four-act 'Future Nostalgia Tour' across major cities including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, performing seven shows total and generating approximately $9.5 million. This measure of success has heightened expectations for her latest tour, particularly as fans witness the evolution of her music and stage presence.
Earlier this month, Lipa also made headlines with her guest appearance on K-Pop artist JENNIE's solo album, Ruby, showcasing her versatility and intention to reach global audiences. Each new project seems to open even more pathways for her, adding excitement as she embarks on this leg of her tour.
Interestingly, as she explores her musical influences and engages with different genres, Lipa continues to make her mark beyond just performances. Local Melbourne artist Amanda Newman celebrated Lipa's return by painting a vibrant mural of the singer at Hosier Lane, embracing the singer's impact on the city's cultural fabric. Newman, who has established herself as both an artist and mentor, commented, “None of my success matters if we don’t hand the next generations a decent industry experience.” It’s remarkable moments like this, embodying the relationship between artists and their communities, which add richness to Lipa's already dynamic touring narrative.
Overall, Dua Lipa's Australian tour launch has been nothing short of exhilarating, marked by her iconic performance, the creative homage to Australian music, and the vibrant community response. With anticipation growing for her upcoming shows, it's clear her transition to rock and exploration of new muses—along with her established pop powerhouse image—continue to catalyze her success as she charts new territories for 2025.
