Latest news with #TrainingSeason
Gulf Today
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Dua Lipa's Wembley debut: Another mind-blowing performance
Dua Lipa isn't exactly known for being a mind-blowing performer. Clips of her early performances have been memeified online ad nauseam, with one in particular, of the singer on stage woodenly rotating her right hip, doing the rounds back in 2018. "Go on girl, give us nothing," read one viral comment at the time. The meme, which Lipa has since said was hurtful and humiliating, suggested the pop star with heaps of hits didn't have the performance prowess to match. How things have changed. At her Wembley Stadium debut, a more apt comment might be: "Go girl, give us absolutely everything!". The 29-year-old, who is seven months into her Radical Optimism tour in promotion of her electro-inflected third album, emerges atop an S-shaped bridge, her stage presence irrefutable as she commands the crowd into silence with a single swish of her hair. For the opening track "Training Season", Lipa's Abba-inflected wish list of qualities in a romantic partner, the singer wears a diamanté-encrusted leotard as she struts down the catwalk. A gaggle of male dancers trails behind reverently like a colony of bees surrounding their queen. Watch that 2018 clip now and marvel at the metamorphosis. "I feel like I've been waiting for this moment my whole life," Lipa tells the 90,000-strong crowd. All the stops have been pulled out tonight: the confetti cannons are working overtime, and Lipa has no less than four outfit changes. Providing even bigger spectacle than any pyrotechnics, though, is her surprise guest, Kay Jay of the Nineties funk-soul icons Jamiroquai, who breezes onstage in a lavender fedora hat and tassel shirt, for a raucous duet of 1996's hit "Virtual Insanity". "He's a trailblazer for British music," Lipa says of the band's frontman. "He's paved the way, and I feel so lucky to share the stage." Sonically, it's a match made in heaven, with Lipa's deep, raspy vocals right at home on the song's funky chorus. The pomp surrounding tonight's show is a testament to Lipa's scintillating first decade in music - and her new-ish status as one of the UK's biggest pop powerhouses. There's been three Grammy wins, a string of No 1 hits, and, last year, a headline slot at Glastonbury Festival. In May, she was named the youngest person on The Sunday Times' under-40 rich list, with an estimated wealth of £115m, thanks to her prodigious (and lucrative) touring schedule, her two media companies, an influential book club, and the fact she bought back the rights to her music in 2022. Yet despite such cultural omnipresence, Lipa's personality remains a mystery. Interviews are relatively rare and always cordial, sprinkled with vague stories of rubbish ex-boyfriends and not much else. Tonight, we don't glean anything new from Lipa - her asides can be boiled down to generalised thank-yous and musings on how hard she's worked to get where she is today. She is the consummate professional, but sometimes that guardedness leaves you wanting more. Still, Lipa finds other ways to connect. As she rattles through her hits, it's the nightclub-inspired section of the evening that proves most electrifying. Her 2018 collaboration with Calvin Harris "One Kiss" is beefed up with a drum'n' bass-style dance break, followed by a pulsating mash-up of her 2017 breakout hit "New Rules" with DJ duo Bicep's "Glue". Tracks from her earlier albums, including 2020 lockdown relic Future Nostalgia, stand out against the Radical Optimism cuts, with "Levitating" and "Physical" propelling the crowd into a perpetual two-step. Perhaps in recognition of how far she's come, Lipa performs "Hotter Than Hell" for the first time in six years. The smoky belter is what got her signed to Warner Bros back in 2014. By the end of the night, she is quite literally doing a victory lap of Wembley Stadium, weaving through fenced walkways to high-five the crowd, hug them, and fulfil selfie requests. At one moment, Lipa gets lost in the teary eyes of a group of fans from Spain. She snaps back. "I've got a show to put on. Grazie!" she says, scurrying back to the stage. We may not know her fully, but we're fortunate to have her. The Independent
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dua Lipa dances the night away in pink satin mini dress as she shares more snaps from wild Wembley celebrations before tour heads to Anfield
Dua Lipa wowed 70,000 fans with two sell out shows at Wembley Stadium over the weekend. And the celebrations continued after the shows, with Dua sharing more wild snaps of her partying. As she prepares to take to the stage again for her Radical Optimism tour, this time at Liverpool's Anfield Stadium for two shows on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dua was in great spirits. In behind the scenes snaps from Wembley, the Training Season singer looked gorgeous in a skimpy pink satin mini dress. She accessorised with a bespoke hat emblazoned with the England Three Lions logo and the words: 'Dua Lipa Wembley Stadium 20th and 21st June 2025'. Dua pulled out all the stops for her London gigs, bringing out special guests Jamiroquai on Friday and Charli XCX on Saturday. Transforming the stadium into her own dance floor, Dua kicked off her concert with Training Season before pausing to say she was 'blown away,' and that it was 'surreal' to be performing at Wembley. She said: 'This is so surreal and so crazy. It means the absolute world to me that you are here tonight. 'It feels really really special to be here tonight. It is 10 years since our first ever London show to about 350 people and I just dreamt of a night like this where I get to be in front of 70,000 people.' After taking photos with the front row fans, Dua returned to the stage to perform These Walls before introducing the song that 'started everything'. She said: 'I want to take it back to the beginning a little bit. This song really kind of changed my life.' The singer added: 'This is the song that got me signed and it's the song that started everything and I feel like with weather like this, there is only one song that I could do. This is Hotter Than Hell.' Towards the end of the concert, Lipa returned to the hit songs that prompted her rise to fame, including 2016's Be The One, and her 2017 break-up anthem New Rules. She captioned the snaps 'guess joining the circus wasn't such a bad idea ANFIELD NIGHT 1 TONIGHT!!!! LET'S GOOOOOO BABY !!!!!' Dua was initially set to play just one show at the London venue on Friday 20 June 2025, as part of her Radical Optimism tour. But due to the phenomenal demand, the pop star stayed in the English capital for a second night to put on another performance. Speaking in an interview with Vogue this month, Dua said: 'That's definitely been a massive dream, and it's going to be quite surreal. You know, stadiums: that seems pretty scary. 'Adrenaline is an incredible drug can hear people screaming before I'm even on.' She added: 'That's when my heart starts racing. Moments before, I'm like: 'Oh, my God, we're doing this.' And I'm ready to go.'
Metro
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Callum Turner in awe of fiancée Dua Lipa during 'dream' Wembley shows
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Callum Turner couldn't keep his eyes off his future wife as she took to the stage for two back-to-back sold out shows at London's Wembley Stadium. Dua Lipa took to the stage on Friday and Saturday for two shows, the first of the UK leg of her highly anticipated 75+ date Radical Optimism Tour, playing to 150,000 fans in the capital. In the crowd to support the 29 year old during her jaw-dropping performances were her family members, including dad Dukagjin, sister Rina and brother Gjin, as well as her actor fiancé Callum, who was seen dancing the night away. When the singer wrapped up her performance on Friday night, the Fantastic Beasts star said from the VIP area: 'She was incredible. She's just amazing.' The 23-song set opened with her hit single Training Season followed by fan favourites including Break My Heart, One Kiss and Whatcha Doing. She also treated fans to a rare performance of Hotter Than Hell, fitting for a scorching hot night in London. She introduced the song by saying : ' This is the song that got me signed, and it's the song that started everything. With weather like this, there's only one song I could do.' Throughout the night, Dua stunned in an array of dazzling outfits as she performed, including a custom black Chanel bodysuit adorned with gold chains, a faithful homage to a 1992 couture original, during her impressive encore. On Friday fans were treated to a surprise appearance from Jamiroquai to perform Virtual Insanity during a special moment for the singer. Bringing him out on stage, she remarked: 'This is someone who really inspired me when I first started out. 'Someone who I feel like is a massive trailblazer in music and has kind of paved the way.' On Saturday night the pop sensation thrilled the crowd when she introduced Charli XCX with a cheeky shoutout. She said: 'So this next song, I thought I'd bring a friend out. Let me tell you, she is the biggest brat. Give it up for Charli XCX!' It's been a whirlwind few months for the singer, including a proposal from Callum, which she confirmed took place last year. Months after teasing fans by wearing a ring on her engagement finger, she confirmed in an interview with British Vogue that she and Callum, 35, are set to tie the knot. More Trending 'Yeah, we're engaged,' last year's Glastonbury headliner cooly shared. 'It's very exciting. This decision to grow old together, to see a life and just, I don't know, be best friends forever – it's a really special feeling.' Dua revealed that Callum popped the question with a custom-made ring, which he had consulted with her sister Rina over. 'I'm obsessed with it,' she continued. 'It's so me. It's nice to know the person that you're going to spend the rest of your life with knows you very well.' The happy couple began dating in January 2024 and made their relationship Instagram official in July. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Coldplay perform hit song for first time in 9 years MORE: Every single Glastonbury headliner by year – including last minute drop-outs MORE: AliExpress to stock Pop Mart's viral Labubu's ahead of unmissable sale
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Dua Lipa surprises Wembley crowd by welcoming Charli XCX for surprise ‘360' duet
Dua Lipa delighted 70,000 fans at Wembley Stadium on the second night of her sold‑out performance by inviting Charli XCX on stage for a surprise duet of the hit track '360'. The 29‑year‑old pop star introduced her fellow British singer with playful praise, saying, "Let me tell you, she is the biggest brat. Give it up for Charli XCX!" The pair then launched into the performance, sending the crowd into frenzied applause. Earlier in the evening, Dua had already impressed with a show-stopping set that included hits like 'Training Season', 'One Kiss', 'Levitating', and 'Maria'. Dua previously brought out 1990s funk icon Jamiroquai on the first night as another surprise guest. She expressed admiration for the singer, describing him as "someone who really inspired me" and a musical trailblazer. The pop star reflected on her journey from playing small venues to performing at Wembley. She told the crowd it felt "surreal" to headline such a prestigious venue, recalling that just ten years earlier she had performed for only 350 people in London. Dua's Wembley shows mark a high point in her Radical Optimism world tour.
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Dua Lipa's ‘dream' Wembley shows with five outfit changes, star fans and cover with 90s music megastar
LIVE-ING MY DREAM Inside Dua Lipa's 'dream' Wembley shows with five outfit changes, star fans and cover with 90s music megastar Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DUA LIPA realised a life dream as she played to 70,000 adoring fans at Wembley Stadium. Her Radical Optimism tour's sell-out gig on Friday — followed by another one yesterday — came ten years after she first per-formed in the capital to just 350 people. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 11 Dua Lipa realised a life dream as she played to 70,000 adoring fans at Wembley Stadium Credit: Getty 11 Her Radical Optimism tour's sell-out gig on Friday came ten years after she first performed in the capital to just 350 people Credit: Getty 11 She said: 'Wembley, thank you. It is something I've dreamt of my whole life' Credit: Getty 11 Dua paraded in five different outfits during her set Credit: Getty 11 Dua also got Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay on stage to join her in singing the Nineties jazz-funk band's hit Virtual Insanity Credit: Getty 11 Dua shared a letter from the Spice Girls, who sent her flowers Credit: Instagram The singer said: 'Wembley, thank you. It is something I've dreamt of my whole life, and all day I have been feeling so much love and gratitude to be here with you guys. 'It is just surreal. It feels like such a journey, but also like everything has happened so quickly. I want to thank you for believing in me and trusting me, dancing with me, singing with me — and allowing me to wake up every single morning to do what I love to do. Looking out and seeing all you guys means the absolute world to me.' Dazzling in a white Valentino sheer lace catsuit, she added: 'It has been ten years since our first London show and I just dreamt of a night like this.' Dua paraded in five different outfits during her set — also including a petrol-blue Balenciaga slip dress draped in a faux-fur coat lined with the Union Jack flag and a silver custom Swarovski bodysuit with matching Christian Louboutin boots. And it certainly seemed Queen Dua was reigning over North London — as billboards promoting her YSL plumping lip gloss were plastered on the famous Wembley Way. Fans, many of whom got tickets through Priority from O2, queued at merch-andise stands with T-shirts priced £40. She opened with hit track Training Season and thrilled the crowd with No1 singles New Rules, One Kiss and Dance The Night. Her ballad Falling Forever cast a spell as fans lit up the stadium by holding their phone torches in the air. Dua's mum Anesa and sister Rina, as well as actor fiance Callum Turner and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley were all in the audience. She even had support from the Spice Girls who sent her flowers. Dua Lipa surprises fans by bringing 90s band on stage as she stuns in diamonte bodysuit in front of star-studded crowd to Wembley And Dua shared a letter from the girls on Instagram. The post read: 'Dear Dua, we just wanted to wish you lots of luck with your sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium . . . that's Girl Power! We love you! The Spice Girls. XXXX.' Dua also got Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay on stage to join her in singing his band's 1996 hit, Virtual Insanity. She told fans: 'This next song is a really, really big dream for me because I want to introduce someone who has inspired me from the moment I started making music. 'He is someone who has been a trailblazer for British music and paved the way.' I imagine these Dua shows have inspired the next gener-ation of British music stars, too. A FEW months ago, Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock parted ways with label Warner Music and landed a new deal with Virgin – and she's wasted no time getting started with new music. The singer shot a video for upcoming single, Been A Minute, in Stoke Newington, East London, last week. An insider tells me: 'The song has a carnival vibe and Leigh-Anne is really excited about it.' Leigh-Anne will showcase the tune when she performs at Reading and Leeds Festivals later this year. OASIS STRING 'EM UP OASIS have spent weeks rehearsing in a secret location in London ahead of their reunion tour – and I can reveal that when the lads hit the stage they will be joined by an orchestra. As well as Liam and Noel Gallagher, Bonehead, Gem Archer and Andy Bell, there will be musicians playing the cello, violins and woodwind for several of their hits. 11 Oasis have spent weeks rehearsing in a secret location in London ahead of their reunion tour Credit: PA An insider said: 'The live orchestra will add a cinematic element to their sound and elevate some of the harmonies. It won't take away from the band, just boost the sound.' I can also reveal that everyone around them has ditched booze and turned to clean living in a bid to spur on the brothers, inset below, as they prepare for their Live '25 shows. Cigarettes and alcohol have been binned in favour of non-alcoholic beers and meditation. An insider tells me: 'In these final few weeks before the tour kicks off, those around Liam and Noel have decided to focus on clean living. 'There are lots of positive vibes in the camp, a very meditative, focused mindset. Everyone around them is aware this is history in the making. 'Liam and Noel are the best of British, working class heroes, and they deserve this incredible moment. 'So those around them are determined to set positive examples and make sure everyone is giving 100 per cent. It's pretty impressive to see how dedicated everyone is.' Some Might Say they will be the gigs of the decade . . . MEL C says she is super 'pedantic' about pre-show rituals. Sporty Spice told England rugby star Natasha Hunt that she sticks to the same routine while on tour. Mel said: 'I get the mickey taken out of me because of how pedantic I am about my preparations. I will eat well, try and sleep well, hydration is key.' She spoke as part of Volvic's Force of Nature initiative, in partnership with the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Sporty by name, sporty by nature. LIKE THE LUNCH BOX, PAUL PAUL MESCAL and girlfriend Gracie Abrams have been preparing for her gig at Glasto next week – with sunshine picnics in the park. The Normal People actor and the singer have been relaxing with friends before she rocks up at Worthy Farm to play The Other Stage on Friday – where Paul is expected to be cheering her on. 11 Paul Mescal and girlfriend Gracie Adams in the park Credit: Supplied 11 Gracie will play The Other Stage on Friday Credit: Mega One park-goer at Highbury Fields in North London said of the pair: 'Paul and Gracie have been making the most of the warm weather by hanging out with friends in the park. 'Paul was boun-ding around and is clearly loving the long summer evenings.' The couple were first linked a year ago when snapped on a dinner date at London celebrity hang-out the BRAT Restaurant – and they seem to be going strong. Our source added: 'They looked super loved-up and Paul couldn't resist taking a picture of the sunset on his phone to capture the moment.' DUFFY TO RETURN DUFFY is secretly working on her long-awaited third album just months after she thrilled fans by appearing in a TikTok video. I can reveal that the Welsh singer, who posted herself lip-syncing to a remix of her hit Mercy back in March, has been in the studio working with ex-Suede musician Bernard Butler, who was a producer on her debut 2008 album. 11 Duffy is secretly working on her long-awaited third album just months after she thrilled fans by appearing in a TikTok video Credit: Getty Duffy, whose first name is Aimée Anne, disappeared from the spotlight in 2011 after being kidnapped and raped and told her harrowing story in 2020. A source said: 'The time is right for her to make a comeback, she has done enough healing and is ready to make music. 'She has a great working relationship with Bernard and they trust each other.' In 2020, Duffy revealed in a social media post: ' I am OK and safe now, I was raped and drugged and held captive over some days. Of course I survived. 'The recovery took time. But I can tell you, in the last decade the thousands and thousands of days I committed to wanting to feel the sunshine in my heart again, the sun does now shine.' STRICTLY star Carlos Gu says he would love to perform with chat king Graham Norton. The pro dancer, who has previously been paired with EastEnders' Molly Rainford, said at the British LGBT Awards: 'I want to show two men can dance sexily and beautifully. I would love to dance with Graham. He would be great.'
