On the first of two nights at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, Dua Lipa proved why she’s one of today’s defining pop stars. The Radical Optimism Tour is a dazzling mix of theatrical visuals and flawless choreography.
The night began in total darkness, with meditative sounds filling the arena across a hill-shaped projection screen. Suddenly, a bell tolled, smoke filled the stage, and out of the haze, Dua appeared at the top of the stage. Her silhouette bathed in dark blue light as she belted the opening lines of “Training Season.” When the spotlights finally hit, she stood in a golden corset, dancers in silver on each side of her, with her live band perched on raised platforms.
From there, the show unfolded like a carefully choreographed dream. For “End of an Era,” dancers holding massive white feathers filled the stage, concealing Dua until she emerged at the center. Red lights then engulfed the arena for “Break My Heart,” where visuals of Dua’s piercing eyes glared from the LED backdrop. She marched to the top of the platform, played with her dancers, and later strutted down the catwalk to close the song before slipping into the hypnotic rhythms of “One Kiss.” Confetti rained as the arena transformed into a full-on rave.
The production shifted gears into cabaret mode when Dua reappeared in a shimmering black one-piece, performing “Whatcha Doing”. “Levitating” turned the arena into a non-stop dance party before Dua walked into the pit, hugging fans, taking selfies, and thanking them personally. Back onstage, she delivered “These Walls” with her live band, then surprised Atlanta with a cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” that had the crowd screaming every word.
The energy with “Physical,” where Dua, dressed in a Chanel bodysuit adorned with pearls, commanded the arena like a fitness instructor leading a class. “Electricity,” “Hallucinate,” and “Illusion” kept the adrenaline pumping with tight choreography and club-ready beats.
Moments of intimacy balanced the spectacle. Dressed in a sheer white outfit, Dua slowed things down for “Falling Forever” and “Happy For You.” Later, she returned encircled by flames for “Love Again,” rising above the crowd on a platform while playfully conducting cheers from each side of the arena. Encouraging fans to light up the room with their phone flashes, she sang “Anything For Love.” Coming back down for “Be The One,” Dua ran through the pit, she high-fived fans and stood by the barricade, transforming a packed arena into a shared, personal experience.
But the finale was pure pop euphoria. Clad in a futuristic gold corset, Dua returned for an encore of “New Rules,” “Dance the Night,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Houdini.” The arena turned into one giant dance floor, the crowd singing and moving in unison as confetti once again filled the air.
With its mix of intimacy and spectacle, Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour is the clearest sign yet of her pop star mastery. From theatrical visuals to flawless choreography, to her genuine connection with fans, Dua transformed State Farm Arena into her own world, creating an immersive world that fans were reluctant to leave.
Dua Lipa — Radical Optimism Tour
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA — Night 1 Setlist:
Training Season
End of an Era
Break My Heart
One Kiss
Whatcha Doing
Levitating
These Walls
Hey Ya! (Outkast cover)
Maria
Physical
Electricity
Hallucinate
Illusion
How Long
Falling Forever
Happy For You
Love Again
Anything For Love
Be The One
Encore:
18. New Rules
19. Dance the Night
20. Don’t Start Now
21. Houdini
Check out Dua Lipa on the remainder of her Radical Optimism Tour:
Be sure to grab your tickets before its too late.
9/17 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
9/18 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
9/26 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
9/27 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
9/30 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
10/1 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
10/4 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
10/5 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
10/11 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
10/12 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
10/15 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
10/16 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
