Dua Lipa Electrifies Wembley: A Stellar Performance Rivaling Jamiroquai’s Magic

Perhaps it’s the sweltering heat or something else, but the audience is unusually quiet as Dua Lipa begins her first major stadium concert. The screens display slow-motion footage of ocean waves, accompanied by droning sounds reminiscent of a sound bath, casting a hypnotic spell over the crowd in north-west London. When Lipa appears, poised and magnificent in a white crystal-studded leotard atop a stage shaped like an infinity symbol, the crowd is quickly overwhelmed by the atmosphere.

The show starts with a burst of energy. Even though her latest album, “Radical Optimism,” didn’t sell as well as expected, its second single, “Training Season,” ignites the audience’s excitement early on. Lipa, flanked by 12 dancers, commands the stage with authority, reminiscent of a military officer. But with the arrival of her dance-infused track with Calvin Harris, “One Kiss,” there’s a concern that the show might reach its high point too early.

However, the energy dips momentarily when Lipa steps down from the stage to interact with her fans at the front. She channels the persona of a children’s TV host, asking each visibly excited fan the same questions about their names and if they’re enjoying the show, while signing albums. This prompts some of the 70,000 spectators to check their phones.

The performance picks up again with a graceful rendition of “These Walls” at the end of a runway, surrounded by her band. This is followed by a performance of an earlier hit, aptly named “Hotter Than Hell.” The mood shifts when Lipa introduces a special guest, a British icon, Jay Kay from Jamiroquai. He joins her on stage, stylishly dressed in a vibrant hat and trousers, and together they perform “Virtual Insanity.” This collaboration seems fitting as other Jamiroquai hits like “Cosmic Girl” and “Canned Heat” would seamlessly suit Lipa’s style.

Lipa then powers through some of the most robust hits of recent pop music, including “Electricity,” “Be the One,” and an exhilarating “Physical,” which starts with a playful exercise video parody. Throughout, Lipa’s distinctive husky voice and somewhat stiff but charmingly traditional superstar demeanor captivate the audience.

As the encore begins, it features a dynamic remix of “New Rules” that transitions into an electronic beat by duo Bicep called “Glue,” followed by the triumphant “Don’t Start Now.” By this time, Lipa is visibly exhausted and drenched in sweat, much like everyone else in the audience. As the concert closes with confetti cannons, streamers, and fireworks, Lipa looks as though she might dive into the visual waves crashing on the screens behind her.