Dua Lipa hits all the right notes at Glastonbury
Dua Lipa delivered a dazzling debut as a headline act at Glastonbury, captivating the crowd with a dynamic and ambitious performance that spanned her chart-topping repertoire. Taking the Pyramid Stage shortly after 10 pm, she kicked off with a flawless sequence of hits including “Training Season,” “One Kiss,” “Illusion,” “Break My Heart,” and “Levitating,” each accompanied by mesmerizing choreography reminiscent of a high-stakes award show.
Throughout the night, Dua underwent five costume changes, with edgy studs and leather recurring themes. Her set featured a staggering 15 top 40 hits, encompassing fan favorites like “Don’t Start Now,” “Physical,” and “New Rules,” alongside notable collaborations such as “Cold Heart” with Elton John and “Electricity” with Mark Ronson. Surprisingly absent was her hit “Dance The Night,” which made a cameo in a video interlude during one of her costume transitions.
Dua’s raspy mezzo-soprano cut through the Somerset air with particular potency during poignant moments like the dramatic ballad “Happy For You” and the sultry “Houdini,” which concluded her electrifying set. The 28-year-old artist also paid homage to Glastonbury history, sporting a T-shirt featuring the cover of Shakespear’s Sister’s album “Hormonally Yours,” honoring one of the festival’s earliest female headliners from 1992.
Reflecting on her journey, Dua Lipa shared personal anecdotes with the audience, reminiscing about early gigs where she played to just a handful of people lured by free drinks, contrasting sharply with the vast sea of nearly 100,000 fans before her that night. “I’ve written this moment down and wished for it and dreamt it and worked so hard,” she emotionally expressed, embodying the realization of a lifelong aspiration.
Creating a club-like atmosphere was Dua’s ambition for the evening, a goal she clearly achieved. Enhanced by a sonic revamp that included nods to 90s rave and pulsating bass lines, each song received a fresh, energetic treatment. Even her breakout hit “New Rules” was seamlessly blended with Northern Irish dance anthem “Glue” by Bicep, transforming the stage into a colossal, pulsating dance floor.
Despite the meticulously planned choreography, moments of spontaneity shone through, such as when she descended to the barriers during “Be The One,” engaging directly with fans in a genuine display of connection. Collaborator Kevin Parker from Tame Impala joined her onstage for a rendition of “The Less I Know The Better,” offering a rare glimpse into the artist beyond her meticulously curated public persona.
While some critics noted the set’s occasional theatricality aimed at a global TV audience, the crowd remained captivated throughout. Dua Lipa’s performance was a testament to her meticulous preparation and artistic growth, securing her place among Glastonbury’s legendary headliners. With fireworks and confetti punctuating her triumphant set, she left an indelible mark on the festival, setting a formidable benchmark for future headliners to match.
