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An Evening with Dua Lipa

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An Evening with Dua Lipa
Promotional poster for special
Directed byPaul Dugdale
StarringDua Lipa
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
  • Peter Abbott
  • Dua Lipa
  • Dukagjin Lipa
  • Ben Winston
  • Sally Wood
Production locationRoyal Albert Hall
Camera setupMulti-camera
Production companies
Original release
NetworkITV1
Release8 December 2024 (2024-12-08)

An Evening with Dua Lipa is a television special by English and Albanian singer Dua Lipa. The programme aired on British broadcast network ITV1 on 8 December 2024. Consisting of solo performances and a selected duet with British singer Elton John, it was part of the promotion from her third studio album Radical Optimism (2024). The special was recorded on 17 October 2024 at the Royal Albert Hall located in London, England.

The programme also aired on American broadcast network CBS and simulcast through streaming service Paramount+, on 15 December 2024. The singer accompanied on stage by a 53-piece orchestra and musicians related to the artist, notably the Heritage Orchestra. Before its broadcast, Lipa released her debut live album on 6 December 2024 through Warner Records.

Development

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Dua Lipa unveiled her third studio album titled Radical Optimism (2024), throughout social media on 13 March 2024.[1] The project is inspired by Lipa's hometown, London, for its "confidence and freedom of 90s Britpop".[2] The concept was introduced by a close friend, with Lipa capturing "essence of youth and freedom" so she can incorporate in her recording sessions.[3] Afterwards, the singer announced her third concert tour in support of the album on 18 March.[4]

Exterior view of the Royal Albert Hall building.
The television special was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Lipa uploaded a promotional poster on Instagram where she would perform a one-off show located at the Royal Albert Hall in her hometown.[5] Fans who pre-ordered the album were granted pre-sale access on 10 April, followed by the general ticket sale two days later, via Ticketmaster. Tickets were limited to two per booking with prices varying from £55–£86.[6] A month later, the neo-psychedelia record was released on 3 May 2024, spawning favourable reviews from music critics.[7]

The concert took place on 17 October 2024, and Lipa was accompanied on stage with the Heritage Orchestra conducted by British composer Ben Foster, her seven-piece band, and fourteen choristers.[8] Media outlets reported the show was filmed and set to be released the same year.[9] Television networks CBS Entertainment and ITV confirmed in a press release on 23 October that the artist would star in a television special titled An Evening with Dua Lipa.[10][11]

Synopsis

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The special starts with the view of an S–shaped catwalk, surrounded by the 53-piece orchestra conducted by Ben Foster. The camera frequently cut to Lipa walking through backstage from the Royal Albert Hall. She appeared onstage debuting her black hair, dressed in a "satin" red dress layered in crimson tulle.[12] Lipa opened her show with a performance of "Houdini" (2023). Ending the performance, the programme cuts to an interview with Lipa, including footage of herself and the orchestra rehearsing.[13] She frequently interacted with the audience, such as viewing the attendees' outfits and reaction, she then had herself and the backing vocalists perform "Levitating" (2020) and "Maria" (2024). Resuming to the inteview, Lipa was reminiscing by viewing footage from her younger self singing and credited her childhood music teacher named Ray; they both reunited after not seeing each other for ten years.[14] "Anything for Love" (2024) was performed in a soft piano rendition.

Lipa performing alongside the Heritage Orchestra.

The singer discussed her close relationship with British singer Elton John, where they both first performed together at his annual AIDS foundation party livestreamed in April 2021.[15] John remembered calling Lipa for a remix collaboration, in which was an immediate yes. In the special, Lipa reappeared onstage wearing an embroidered "gothic" gown layered with black lace.[16] As she began performing chart-topping song "Cold Heart" (2021), she welcomed John to the stage and both sang a selected duet.[17] After having John was escorted off the stage, Lipa sang "Happy for You" (2024) and asked the audience to clap their hands, meanwhile she ran through the stage.

Lipa and her siblings Gjin and Rina wandered through department store Liberty looking for Christmas decoration, and explained how the holidays brings families together during a time of need.[18] Continuing the programme, Lipa ended the performance with a medley between "Dance the Night" (2023) and "Don't Start Now" (2019), as white confetti falls she thanked the audiance and orchestra in joining with her.[19]

The CBS version contains additional performances of "These Walls","Love Again", and "Illusion". It also has footage filmed at locations in New York City.

Fashion

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Throughout the programme, Lipa presented an ensemble looks consisting of two customized outfits. When she first appeared onstage, the singer wore a recreated Jean Paul Gaultier corseted cherry–red dress,[20] layered in crimson tulle, with a dramatic slit, and paired with burgundy opera gloves.[21] Her second outfit is a custom monochrome Chanel gown composed of embroidered pearls featuring a signature camellia embellishments.[22] Lipa credited American fashion designer and stylist Jahleel Weaver for curating both gowns.[23]

Live album

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Dua Lipa Live from the Royal Albert Hall
Dua Lipa performing in a red dress.
Live album by
Released6 December 2024 (2024-12-06)
Recorded17 October 2024 (2024-10-17)
VenueRoyal Albert Hall
Length81:30
LabelWarner
Producer
  • Charles Monneraud
  • William Bowerman
Dua Lipa chronology
Radical Optimism
(2024)
Dua Lipa Live from the Royal Albert Hall
(2024)

Lipa revealed in November 2024, that her concert special was recorded her first live album,[24] including a sole guest appearance from British singer Elton John.[25] The album was later released on 6 December 2024 through Warner Records.[26]

Track listing

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Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Overture"
  • Ben Foster
  • Charles Monneraud
  • William Bowerman
1:46
2."End of an Era"3:59
3."Houdini"
  • Lipa
  • Parker
  • Harle
  • Ailin
  • Jesso
3:56
4."Training Season"
3:40
5."These Walls"
3:50
6."Whatcha Doing"
3:58
7."French Exit"
  • Lipa
  • Parker
  • Harle
  • Ailin
  • Jesso
3:45
8."Illusion"
  • Lipa
  • Parker
  • Harle
  • Ailin
  • Jesso
3:57
9."Falling Forever"
4:00
10."Anything for Love"
3:09
11."Maria"
  • Lipa
  • Wyatt
  • Harle
  • Ailin
  • Michaels
3:45
12."Happy for You"
  • Lipa
  • Parker
  • Harle
  • Ailin
  • Jesso
4:23
13."Love Again"
6:02
14."Pretty Please"
  • Lipa
  • Michaels
  • Kirkpatrick
  • Ailin
3:25
15."Levitating"4:24
16."Sunshine"4:42
17."Cold Heart" (with Elton John)5:28
18."Be the One"
  • Gale
  • Jack Tarrant
  • Lucy Taylor
4:49
19."Dance the Night"
4:07
20."Don't Start Now"
  • Lipa
  • Ailin
  • Kirkpatrick
  • Warren
4:25
Total length:81:30

Charts

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Chart performance for Dua Lipa Live from the Royal Albert Hall
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[27] 38
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[28] 25
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[29] 58
Hungarian Albums (MAHASZ)[30] 36
Polish Albums (ZPAV)[31] 68
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)[32] 66
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[33] 60
UK Albums (OCC)[34] 40

Release history

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Release dates and formats for Dua Lipa Live from the Royal Albert Hall
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various 6 December 2024 Warner [35]
13 December 2024 Vinyl [36]

Reception

[edit]
An Evening with Dua Lipa
Review scores
SourceRating
The Guardian[37]
The Independent[38]

The Guardian gives an average 3/5. "It’s impressive in scale and ambition, her voice is strong enough not to be swamped by the instrumentation, and there’s absolutely no reason why her brand of dance-pop shouldn’t work laden with strings and brass"

The Independent rates it a score of 4/5. "The effect is palpable long before the English-Albanian disco-pop sensation sets foot on stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall, which has been transformed into a lavish in-the-round arena for the night.

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ Monroe, Jazz (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa announces new album Radical Optimism". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  2. ^ Aswad, Jem (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa unveils Radical Optimism — New album's tracklist, cover and release date". Variety. Archived from the original on 4 April 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  3. ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa announces her third studio album, Radical Optimism". Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  4. ^ Yates, Jonny (18 March 2024). "Dua Lipa announces 2024 European tour dates: tickets, presale info and more". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  5. ^ Geraghty, Hollie (25 March 2024). "Dua Lipa announces one-off London show at Royal Albert Hall". New Musical Express. Archived from the original on 25 March 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  6. ^ Yates, Jonny (11 April 2024). "Dua Lipa ticket prices revealed for her Royal Albert Hall show". PinkNews. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  7. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (2 May 2024). "Dua Lipa Radical Optimism review: Finding joy in the details". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on 3 May 2024. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  8. ^ Smith, Thomas (18 October 2024). "Dua Lipa joined by Elton John at special orchestral concert in London". Billboard. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  9. ^ Trendell, Andrew (18 October 2024). "Watch Elton John join Dua Lipa on stage at special Royal Albert Hall orchestral show". New Musical Express. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  10. ^ "CBS presents An Evening with Dua Lipa, a new primetime concert special airing Sunday, December 15" (Press release). CBS Entertainment. 23 October 2024. Archived from the original on 12 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  11. ^ "An Evening with Dua Lipa to air on ITV later this year" (Press release). ITV Press Centre. 23 October 2024. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  12. ^ Carter, Ashleigh (19 October 2024). "Dua Lipa gives ultra Hollywood glam at London show". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  13. ^ Almeida, Alice (18 October 2024). "Dua Lipa's Royal Albert Hall concert captured in new album and TV special". V. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  14. ^ Novack, Analisa (12 December 2024). "Dua Lipa on performing in Royal Albert Hall with Elton John and reuniting with her childhood music teacher". CBS Mornings. CBS News. Archived from the original on 13 December 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  15. ^ Atkinson, Katie (26 April 2021). "Dua Lipa duets with Elton and more highlights from virtual Elton John Oscar viewing party". Billboard. Archived from the original on 5 June 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  16. ^ Leslau, Tania (19 October 2024). "Dua Lipa returns to her roots with striking hair transformation". Hello!. Archived from the original on 12 November 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  17. ^ Braun-Silva, Bethany (19 October 2024). "Dua Lipa wows fans at Royal Albert Hall with special guest Elton John". ABC News. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  18. ^ "Dua Lipa stuns at Royal Albert Hall: A night of orchestral magic and pop excellence". Hit Channel. 18 October 2024. Archived from the original on 12 December 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  19. ^ Aswad, Jem (18 October 2024). "Dua Lipa brings a fresh twist on Radical Optimism, along with Elton John and an orchestra, to London's Royal Albert Hall: Concert review". Variety. Archived from the original on 13 December 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  20. ^ Lustig, Hanna (18 October 2024). "Dua Lipa pours herself into a cherry red corset gown with a sweeping merlot cape at her intimate London concert". Marie Claire. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  21. ^ Luu, Christopher (18 October 2024). "Dua Lipa's new hair color is the perfect shade for fall". InStyle. Archived from the original on 18 November 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  22. ^ Maitland, Hayley (19 October 2024). "At the Royal Albert Hall, Dua Lipa performed her greatest hits while wearing some of Chanel's". Vogue. Archived from the original on 14 December 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  23. ^ LeSavage, Halie (18 October 2024). "Dua Lipa goes 'back to her roots,' literally, with inky black hair". Marie Claire. Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  24. ^ Daw, Stephen (19 November 2024). "Dua Lipa turned her one-night-only Royal Albert Hall show into a live album". Billboard. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  25. ^ Strauss, Matthew (19 November 2024). "Dua Lipa announces new Live From the Royal Albert Hall album". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 6 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  26. ^ Malone Mendez, Chris (6 December 2024). "Dua Lipa relives Royal Albert Hall concert with new live album". Forbes. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  27. ^ "Ultratop.be – Dua Lipa – Live from the Royal Albert Hall" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  28. ^ "Ultratop.be – Dua Lipa – Live from the Royal Albert Hall" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  29. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Dua Lipa – Live from the Royal Albert Hall" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  30. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2024. 50. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  31. ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista sprzedaży - albumy" (in Polish). OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Note: Change the date to 06.12.2024–12.12.2024 under "zmień zakres od–do:". Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  32. ^ "Top 100 Albums – Week 50". El Portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  33. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Dua Lipa – Live from the Royal Albert Hall". Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  34. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  35. ^ Dua Lipa Live from the Royal Albert Hall release formats:
  36. ^ "Dua Lipa Live from the Royal Albert Hall Standard Vinyl". Dua Lipa Official Shop. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  37. ^ Petridis, Alexis (18 October 2024). "Dua Lipa review – orchestral special boasts Elton John but tips into old-fashioned Eurovision". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  38. ^ Chilton, Louis (18 October 2024). "Dua Lipa's strange Albert Hall show shouldn't work, but it does – review". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
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