Dua Lipa aims to transform this year’s Glastonbury into a nightclub. The pop star discusses her plans for the event, her ideal date, and the impactful influence of a teacher on her life.
The star Dua Lipa talks about her Glastonbury plans, the perfect date and the teacher who changed her life.
She found herself in front of the largest audience she had ever performed for, with spectators overflowing from the tent into the fields nearby.
Immediately after her performance, she hurried from the stage to a BBC interview, but as she settled in, a grimace crossed her face.
“I’ve injured myself,” she admitted. “I’ve aggravated my tailbone.”
It was a recurring injury worsened by the intense movements of her dancing.
“I was throwing myself into all sorts of crazy moves, and when I stepped off stage, I could barely walk,” she confessed.
Despite the discomfort, she was overjoyed. The concert felt like a significant advancement in her career.
Before Dua Lipa became the globally renowned, Brit Award-winning sensation, pandemic-anthemic, Barbie-collaborating icon of vibrant disco pop, she was not yet recognized as such. However, everything shifted a month later with the release of the pastel-infused video for “New Rules.” Overnight, her trajectory altered dramatically. The track soared to number one in the UK and marked her breakthrough hit in the US. Its empowering message of female unity thrust her into the forefront of pop culture, after years of diligent work in the background.
In January, the song reached its three-billionth play on YouTube, coinciding with Dua’s intensification of the promotional campaign for her eagerly awaited third album, “Radical Optimism.”
The album delves into her experiences post a significant breakup, where she sets out to establish new guidelines to break the cycle of dating incompatible partners.
Reflecting on her past, she humorously remarks, “Previously, I would spot a red flag and find it oddly charming.”
“It could be anything: a subtle, disparaging remark that I would shrug off… only to realize it’s a recurring theme.”
“I’ve come to acknowledge the truth and not deceive myself.”
The album’s vibrant, high-energy dance tracks reflect the lessons learned from Dua Lipa’s experiences. In songs like “Training Season” and “Houdini,” she evaluates potential partners and swiftly dismisses those who don’t meet her standards.
These lyrics were inspired by a series of disappointing dates following the end of her two-year relationship with Anwar Hadid, brother of models Bella and Gigi Hadid.
But how does dating function for someone of Dua Lipa’s celebrity status? Is she approached with hesitation?
“I’m not sure if people feel comfortable approaching me,” Dua ponders. “Perhaps?
“As for dating apps, I doubt they’d be effective for me. They might suspect it’s a catfishing attempt.
“I prefer to rely on recommendations from friends. It simplifies things when they’ve been vetted.”
When a match is found, her expectations for a first date are delightfully uncomplicated.
“I enjoy a stroll in the park,” she explains. “It allows for conversation and getting to know each other without any fuss. It doesn’t need to be extravagant.
“Engaging in good conversation is key. That’s how you determine compatibility and if there’s chemistry.”
At the moment, that’s not something she’s worried about. Dua has been in a relationship with British actor Callum Turner since the start of the year.
However, her personal life will have to take a backseat as she prepares for a hectic summer ahead.
Dua Lipa’s schedule is packed with exciting ventures. After the release of “Radical Optimism,” she’s set to host and perform on Saturday Night Live, making her the first British artist to do so since Harry Styles. Alongside her hosting duties, she’s also busy with her podcast series, weekly arts and culture newsletter, and an upcoming Disney+ documentary series on Camden’s music scene, which she executive produced.
However, amidst all these projects, Dua’s mind often wanders to her upcoming performance at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. She confesses that nearly half of her thoughts are dedicated to Glastonbury, with the remainder focused on everyday tasks. Her journey to headlining the festival reflects a tale of ambition, challenges, and unwavering determination that traces back to her childhood.
Born in London in 1995, Dua’s parents, Dukagjin and Anesa, migrated from Kosovo about three years prior, having experienced the early stages of what would later escalate into the Balkan wars.
With a natural flair for performance, Dua’s passion was dampened by her primary school music teacher, who subjected her to a humiliating public audition in front of the entire school.
Recalling the incident, she describes, “He began playing the piano, and as I attempted to reach a high note, nothing emerged. Just air. The entire assembly erupted in laughter. It was a profoundly embarrassing moment in my life.”
At the Sylvia Young Theatre School, Dua Lipa found her calling. Enrolling as a weekend student, she discovered a mentor in singing tutor Ray Lamb. Identifying her mezzo-soprano voice, he promptly moved her from the junior choir to the teens. Though initially self-conscious among taller peers, Dua credits Ray with boosting her self-assurance. Despite his tough exterior, she found him to be supportive and validating, a teacher who truly believed in her talent.
Encouraged by her aspirations of being discovered like Justin Bieber, she began sharing cover songs on YouTube. However, her parents unexpectedly decided to move back to Kosovo, disrupting her journey. Despite this, Dua persevered for two years before convincing her family to allow her to return to London. There, she lived with a family friend, juggling jobs in retail and modeling to pay her rent, all while trying to expedite her schooling.
Her musical journey officially began with the release of her first demos in 2012. Following a stint in an X Factor commercial, she caught the attention of Ben Mawson, Lana Del Rey’s manager, who guided her through two years of intensive writing sessions.
Although early singles like “Be The One” and “Hotter Than Hell” marked her emergence, Dua faced obstacles in the competitive world of pop. Her debut album faced delays three times until the breakout success of “New Rules” propelled her career to new heights.
Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, she found herself navigating the intricacies of her job with the world watching. Early television appearances revealed a lack of finesse as she adjusted to the demands of live vocals, camera angles, and choreography. A somewhat awkward performance at a German festival birthed the enduring “go girl, give us nothing” meme, a sting that lingers.
Reflecting on those moments, she shared with America’s National Public Radio in 2022, “It made me question my worth and whether I belonged in this industry, doubting my abilities as a musician.”
However, those initial struggles now feel like distant memories.
At both the 2024 Grammy and Brit Awards, Dua captivated audiences with high-concept, acrobatic dance routines reminiscent of a cinematic musical.
Her longtime choreographer, Charm La’Donna, describes crafting these performances as “some of the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done with an artist.”
“I deeply admire Dua’s relentless work ethic and her determination to continually push her boundaries as a performer. Collaborating with her is such a joy that it hardly feels like work at all.”
Dua shares that the title of her latest album, Radical Optimism, is partly influenced by the uncertainty she faced in her early career. She emphasizes the significance of persevering through tough times, noting that hindsight often offers a different perspective on past challenges.
The album’s writing sessions commenced in 2021 amidst the pandemic, serving as a means to maintain productivity during the hiatus of her Future Nostalgia tour. Despite having the title in mind from the start, initial sessions proved unproductive. It wasn’t until she resumed touring in 2022 that she discovered the new sound she sought.
The experience of performing live with a band ignited a creative spark that translated into her studio sessions. Programmed beats and loops were replaced by live instrumentation like drums and flamenco guitar, and even unconventional instruments like the Polynesian nose flute featured on a track called “Maria.”
Describing the album’s sound as “alternative but pop, with a touch of psychedelia,” Dua aimed to infuse her music with a fresh, vibrant energy inspired by her live performances.
Fans will groove to 11 catchy, summer-ready pop tunes on Dua’s latest album, “Radical Optimism,” but those who delve into the lyrics will notice a significant evolution in her perspective. While her debut album was filled with defiant anthems aimed at a cheating partner, the closing track, “Happy For You,” sees her wishing her ex well with their new flame.
Reflecting on past relationships, she sings, “Even the tough times led to something better. I must have cared for you more than I realized.” This represents a new emotional depth for the star, who acknowledges her past impulsiveness and reactive behavior. She embraces the idea that not every breakup has to end bitterly.
Dua’s songwriting on this album is more introspective and personal. In “Watcha Doing,” she confronts the consequences of her controlling tendencies in relationships, while “These Walls” paints a vivid picture of a couple realizing their time together is over, reminiscent of ABBA’s emotional storytelling.
This shift in Dua’s approach to her music addresses criticisms that her previous work was generic or lacking in identity. She acknowledges the perception that pop music is shallow or superficial but sees it as a challenge to infuse depth and authenticity into her genre. Through her music, she aims to reintroduce substance to pop.
Dua notes the significance of her album’s release coinciding closely with major releases from artists like Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift, alongside the upcoming material from Billie Eilish in May.
Previously, these events might have been sensationalized by the media, sparking false rivalries among the artists. However, Dua observes a shift in the industry’s dynamics.
“We’re evolving,” she remarks. “There’s a growing awareness of holding individuals accountable for how they depict women.”
She criticizes the tendency to manufacture conflicts, which she believes only strains relationships among artists and hampers collaboration. Dua expresses gratitude that this trend seems to be changing.
“At this moment, there’s a strong sense of solidarity, and I think it’s to our advantage,” she asserts.
“It’s inspiring to witness numerous women releasing albums simultaneously. Each artist has a unique story to share, so why shouldn’t there be space for everyone?”
Glastonbury is demonstrating progress by featuring two female headliners for the first time ever, with Dua Lipa and US R&B sensation SZA taking the stage. Dua expresses gratitude for being part of this shift towards more gender diversity in headlining acts, emphasizing the importance of continuing to push for change. She sees her Glastonbury booking as a significant recognition of her status in British pop music and is determined to make the most of it.
Reflecting on her past performances, she ponders how to recreate the intimacy of a small nightclub atmosphere for the massive crowd at the Pyramid Stage. Despite logistical challenges, she’s eager to create an unforgettable experience for the 150,000 attendees. Let’s hope she takes better care of her tailbone this time around!
The pop sensation recently expressed her desire to turn this year’s Glastonbury into a dance music paradise, complete with epic DJ sets and an electric atmosphere. She’s no stranger to commanding the stage, and her vision for Glastonbury as a pulsating dance space is seriously exciting. With her infectious hits and passion for creating unforgettable live experiences, it’s no wonder she’s keen to ramp up the festival vibes. Dua Lipa, we’re all up for experiencing the ultimate Glasto rave with you!
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