Dua Lipa delighted fans with a spectacular surprise during the opening night of her Radical Optimism World Tour in the U.S. On Friday, September 5, the 30-year-old British pop sensation kicked off a two-night engagement at Chicago’s United Center, captivating the sold-out audience with her stunning costumes and a remarkable 22-song setlist that prominently featured tracks from her latest album, Radical Optimism.
Midway through her electrifying performance, Lipa, who was dazzling in a sparkly black coat adorned with feathered sleeves, shocked the audience by inviting music icon Chaka Khan to join her on stage. The two powerhouse performers delivered a breathtaking rendition of Khan’s classic hit, “Ain’t Nobody” from 1983. Fans were quick to capture the unforgettable moment, and footage has since circulated online.
This collaboration is not an isolated event; Lipa has a history of sharing the stage with legendary artists during her global tour. Earlier this year, she joined forces with Neil Finn of Crowded House during a performance in New Zealand and later brought out Jamiroquai in London, showcasing her ability to connect with music legends and create memorable experiences for her fans.
After a short break in August following an extensive two-month tour across Europe, Lipa made her triumphant return to North America with back-to-back shows in Toronto on September 1-2. For those looking for highlights, Billboard has compiled a recap of the six best moments from her opening night at Scotiabank Arena, showcasing Lipa's dynamic performance style and stage presence.
The U.S. leg of the Radical Optimism tour continues with a second show in Chicago on Saturday, September 6, before moving on to other major cities, including Boston, Atlanta, New York, Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. This tour is a significant milestone in Lipa's career, further establishing her as a global pop sensation.
Released last year, Radical Optimism is Lipa’s highly anticipated third studio album, which debuted at an impressive No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The album has already produced several chart-topping hits, including the lead single “Houdini,” which dominated the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart for an astonishing 17 weeks. To promote the album, Lipa launched the Radical Optimism tour in November 2024, performing in prestigious arenas across Asia, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
