Dua Lipa has described her new CBS concert special, An Evening With Dua Lipa, as one of her most cherished performances. Airing Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT, the special showcases her unique vision and emotional depth. With meticulous planning and a heartfelt approach, Lipa brought her most vulnerable and transformative performance to the Royal Albert Hall in London, an iconic venue that had long been a dream for the global pop star.
A Bold Vision and a Personal Touch
The special, filmed on October 17, 2024, reimagines tracks from Lipa’s latest album Radical Optimism alongside hits from her earlier works, such as Future Nostalgia and her chart-topping collaboration with Elton John, “Cold Heart.” The performance also included her Grammy-nominated song from Barbie (2023), “Dance the Night.” For fans, it offered a new way to experience Lipa’s music, blending orchestral arrangements with her signature pop sensibilities.
“This is one of my favorite performances I’ve ever done,” Lipa shared. The project was deeply personal, as she reunited with her former teacher Ray from the Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she first honed her craft. Reflecting on his advice—that she thrives most when stepping outside her comfort zone—Lipa noted, “He was always a big champion of trying new things and chasing big dreams. If your dreams don’t scare you, maybe they’re not big enough.”
Reimagining Her Music with Depth and Emotion
Lipa took an innovative approach to her music for the special. By reworking familiar hits like “Don’t Start Now,” “Levitating,” and “Love Again,” she added layers of emotional intensity. “When you strip a song down and change it in a way that makes it more vulnerable, you hear the lyrics differently,” she explained.
She sought to balance the fun and energy of her pop roots with darker, richer tones. “I wanted there to be a real depth of intensity with all the songs. It was almost like doing a film score,” she said, describing her efforts to make the arrangements grand and cinematic. The collaboration with the Heritage Orchestra played a pivotal role in creating this dynamic soundscape, elevating the performance to a theatrical experience.
Rehearsals: A Rigorous "Boot Camp"
Preparing for the concert was no small feat. Planning began as early as July, focusing on arrangements and the overall vision. Rehearsals involved both the orchestra and Lipa’s band, culminating in an intensive four-day session right before the show. Lipa described the process as a “Royal Albert Hall boot camp,” pushing her to refine every detail of the one-night-only performance.
“It was amazing,” she said. “We started off with demos, then worked through edits with the orchestra. By the time we came together, it felt like everything clicked. Those last four days were nonstop, but they were essential.”
Elton John and a Fashion Statement
A highlight of the evening was Elton John joining Lipa onstage for “Cold Heart,” a performance that symbolized her admiration for the legendary artist. “He’s performed at the Royal Albert Hall so many times, and having him there felt like he was holding my hand through the night,” Lipa shared. “It gave me another surge of confidence.”
Lipa’s wardrobe also made a statement. For the performance, she wore two stunning gowns: a red Jean Paul Gaultier dress and a black Chanel piece. “Performing in gowns like that was a first for me,” she said. Used to high-energy shows with dancers, Lipa saw the special as an opportunity to embrace elegance. “The Royal Albert Hall and the orchestra lent themselves to something more refined. These dresses felt perfect for the occasion.”
The Emotional Weight of Vulnerability
For Lipa, stepping into a different artistic space carried its challenges. “This special is completely new, something people haven’t seen me do before,” she admitted. “It’s nerve-wracking to step out of your comfort zone, but it’s also the most rewarding. I’ve always believed that trying things that scare you is the key to growth.”
The reunion with her teacher, Ray, added another layer of emotion to the night. His advice about embracing discomfort resonated deeply with her during this project. “Taking on something like this—so different from what I usually do—felt daunting. But that’s where the magic happens,” Lipa said.
A Dream Realized
Performing at the Royal Albert Hall was a career milestone for Lipa, who had long admired the venue. “Growing up in London, I’d drive past the Hall all the time,” she said. “It’s such a special place—grand, intimate, and historic. I’ve always dreamt of performing there.”
The experience exceeded her expectations, blending the grandeur of the setting with the intimacy of her music. “I wanted to create something epic, almost like a live film score,” she said. Fans will also find bonus tracks from the performance on Spotify, offering a deeper dive into her creative reimagining.
What’s Next for Dua Lipa?
While Lipa has already collaborated with major artists like Elton John, Miley Cyrus, and Megan Thee Stallion, she remains open to new opportunities. For now, though, her focus is on celebrating the achievements of this project. “I’ve ticked off so many names on my dream list of collaborators,” she said. “Right now, I’m just soaking in this moment.”
An Evening With Dua Lipa represents more than a concert; it’s a bold artistic statement that showcases the singer’s evolution. From the vulnerable reinterpretations of her hits to her connection with Elton John and the emotional reunion with her teacher, the performance highlights Lipa’s willingness to push boundaries and embrace new creative heights. Fans tuning into the CBS special will witness a star unafraid to grow, explore, and dream big.
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