Dua Lipa sets Wembley alight with Charli XCX surprise
The British-Albanian pop star, 29, delivered a high-energy show as part of her Radical Optimism Tour.
On Saturday night, Dua paused mid-set and teased the crowd. '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!' she shouted.
The crowd erupted as Charli XCX, 32, joined her to perform the infectious hit 360 . The energy soared. Fans danced, cheered, and sang along.
'Wembley, you're unreal tonight!' Dua exclaimed as the duet ended, according to The Daily Mail.
The previous night, Dua stunned fans again by inviting Jamiroquai, the legendary '90s star, on stage.
'This is someone who inspired me when I first started. Someone who I feel like is a massive trailblazer in music and has kind of paved the way,' Dua said, introducing him.
Together, they performed one of his classic tracks, sending the audience into a frenzy.
Dua Lipa dazzled in a series of bold outfits, from a silver sequin bodysuit to a sheer blue gown. Her style choices kept all eyes on her.
She was supported in the crowd by her fiancé, Callum Turner, her mother, Anesa, and her sister, Rina. 'It feels special to be here tonight,' Dua told the audience.
'It is 10 years since our first ever London show to about 350 people, and I just dreamt of a night like this'.
Friday's show saw Dua break down in tears. She thanked fans for their unwavering support.
'Wembley, thank you. It is something I've dreamt of my whole life,' she said, her voice trembling. 'It feels like such a journey, but also like everything has happened so quickly'.
She reflected on her early days. 'I want to take it back to the beginning a little bit. This song really kind of changed my life,' Dua said before performing Hotter Than Hell , the track that launched her career.
Dua's world tour has been a massive success. Selling out two nights at Wembley is no small feat.
According to a source, 'Headlining stadiums with just three albums under her belt proves how influential her music has been. She's on cloud nine'.
Dua Lipa wants every show to feel personal. She told Vogue, 'Adrenaline is an incredible drug. I can hear people screaming before I'm even on.
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'.
She plans to get even closer to her fans, promising to walk the full length of the crowd, just like she did at Glastonbury. 'I want to make it intimate, even in a stadium,' she said.
Fans enjoyed a packed setlist, including hits like Training Season , Levitating , One Kiss , Be The One, New Rules, and Dance The Night .
The show ended with a roaring ovation, cementing Dua Lipa's place as one of pop's brightest stars.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
7 hours ago
- eNCA
Harry and Meghan sign reduced deal with Netflix
LONDON - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will continue to develop film and TV projects for Netflix but on more limited terms, the streaming giant announced Monday. The estranged British royal and his wife have worked with Netflix since 2020, producing documentary "Harry & Meghan" and lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan." The latter showcased the Duchess of Sussex as a thriving domestic maven, hosting guests, harvesting honey and mixing bath salts against an idyllic California backdrop. It has been extended for a second season, and a holiday special due in December, Netflix said. But while the pair's previous Netflix deal bought the streamer exclusive rights to their output, the new multi-year agreement is a "first look deal" In Hollywood parlance, this means Netflix has the right to say yes or no to a project before Harry and Meghan's media company Archewell Productions can shop it around other studios. Typically, first-look deals are less lucrative than exclusive deals, though they also provide producers with more flexibility. "We're proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the 'As ever' brand," said Meghan, referring to her recently re-branded line of lifestyle products including rose wine and apricot spreads. Bela Bajaria, Netflix's chief content officer, described Harry and Meghan as "influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere," in the statement. Harry and Meghan wed in a fairytale ceremony in 2018, before splitting from the British royal family and moving to California two years later. Cut off from the royal purse, the pair signed their first Netflix deal in 2020 for a reported $100 million. That figure was never confirmed, and no financial terms have been revealed for the extension. The New York Times reported Monday that the new deal is worth less for Harry and Meghan than the previous agreement, citing a person familiar with the terms. "Harry & Meghan," a six-episode tell-all about their relationship and exit from the House of Windsor, drew 23 million views in its first four days -- a record for a Netflix documentary. Despite withering reviews from critics, "With Love, Meghan" had over five million views in the first half of 2025, making it Netflix's most-watched cooking show. The upcoming holiday special will feature Meghan hosting "friends and family" as they "deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs," the statement promised. Later this year, Netflix will release a short documentary from Archewell Productions about a small orphanage in Uganda.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Cynthia Erivo shines in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' revival
Cynthia Erivo has won widespread acclaim for her powerful portrayal of Jesus in a dynamic new rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar . The British actress and singer took on the role in a much-anticipated three-night production held at the Hollywood Bowl. The show took place in Los Angeles from 1 to 3 August. Her performance captivated audiences, blending vocal strength with a fresh, compelling interpretation of the character, according to The Guardian. The production attracted notable celebrity attendees, underscoring its significance in the theatre world. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber also made a special appearance, which added to the event's prestige and excitement. Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, with Stephen Oremus as musical director and conductor. The show celebrated the rock opera's legacy while offering a renewed vision for modern audiences. Erivo, a multi-award-winning artist including a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy, embraced the role with confidence. Addressing the criticism over her casting as a Black queer woman in what some viewed as a traditionally male role, she responded, 'Why not?' She emphasised the production's spirit as a vibrant, inclusive celebration of her vocal talents and the musical's enduring message. The show's reimagining of the final days of Jesus Christ through Judas's perspective earned praise for its emotional intensity and social relevance. Cynthia Erivo's portrayal serves as an inspiring example of breaking traditional boundaries in art. It highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion on stage. Reflecting on her experience, Erivo said, 'This role challenges me as an artist and connects me to audiences in a profound way. It's a reminder that stories like these transcend time and culture.' This production not only honoured a classic musical but also brought a compelling contemporary voice to a global narrative, resonating strongly with diverse audiences, including those in South Africa. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Love and literature: turning the pages on the heartfelt journey in 'My Oxford Year'
Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest in 'My Oxford Year'. Image: X The transformative power of romantic relationships has, for generations, formed the premise of classic movies, the arcs of beloved television series and the inspiration behind hit songs. 'My Oxford Year', a new Netflix romantic comedy, is the latest offering which chronicles a love story so heartbreaking, you will be wiping your tears long after the credits have rolled. What elevates this production, which remains one of the streamer's most popular movies since it was released at the beginning of August, is the gut-wrenching plot twist, which has sparked a fierce debate online. Its fresh cast of American and British talents has done an excellent job at portraying the vast range of emotions - from comedy to bliss and heartbreak - that the genre demands. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Sofia Carson, the film's leading lady, has also been receiving raving reviews, and she commands the role with the same enigmatic grace which earned her plaudits for 'Purple Heart' and "The Life List", other Netflix movies which had viewers in their feels. She is brilliantly complemented by UK actor Corey Mylchreest, who plays Carson's love interest. Corey Mylchreest and Sofia Carson in a scene from 'My Oxford Year'. Image: X Their chemistry is electrified, and their dynamic makes for a convincing young couple who are trying to make their mark in the world while being delivered a cruel bout of fate. Meanwhile, the supporting cast, which includes Poppy Gilbert, Dougray Scott, Harry Trevaldwyn and Catherine McCormack, also brings a vibrant yet poignant edge to this captivating story. And behind the camera, director Iain Morris, who helmed this riveting film, which is based on Allison Burnett's original screenplay, has done wonders to provide a fresh spin on a hugely popular genre. 'My Oxford Year' opens with Anna De La Vega (Carson), a highly ambitious American student, travelling to study Victorian poetry for a year at the University of Oxford in England. On her first day, she meets Jamie Davenport (Mylchreest), and their first few initial meetings were anything but a fairytale. Jamie drenches Anna in a puddle of dirty water as he speeds past the pavement she is walking on. They later meet at a fish and chip shop, and Anna is not impressed when she finds Jamie trying to hide from his ex-girlfriend. Thinking he is a playboy, she doesn't think much of him and is instead determined to fulfil her lifelong dream of studying poetry at Oxford. Things take another unexpected turn when Anna realises that Jamie is going to be teaching one of her classes. Looking for a way to blow off some steam after things don't go as she had always envisioned, Anna goes to a local pub with her new friends. She ends up spending a romantic night with Jamie as he shows her around her new surroundings, and they share a star-lit stroll. After weeks of trying to deny their connection, a grand romantic gesture around their mutual love of books sees them kick off a steamy romance. This takes them out of their comfort zones and forces them to re-evaluate everything in their lives Anna and Jamie bond over their love of literature as they begin to integrate themselves into each other's lives. The couple introduce each other to new passions as they challenge each other to grow and rid themselves of past traumas. Corey Mylchreest and Sofia Carson in a scene from 'My Oxford Year'. Image: X In this typical case of how opposites attract, Jamie teaches Anna to be less obsessive about taking control and to live in the moment while she teaches him to confront his emotions and to repair his strained family relationships. But as their love story continues to strengthen, Anna is devastated when she learns of a secret which Jamie has been keeping - one that threatens to derail the rest of her life forever. With its themes of love, loss, mortality and the power of dreams, it is no wonder that 'My Oxford Year' has been moving up the trending list. Despite its intense emotional storyline, the movie's intelligent infusion of comedy helps to reflect a multi-faceted story which includes an abundance of both heart and humour. And when you are not sobbing at the fate of the leading lovers, it also does a stellar job of transporting viewers into the idyllic world of Oxford, dubbed the "City of Dreaming Spires'. It gives streamers the chance to escape into this love story, which plays out in this historic English, its prestigious university and its stunning architecture. Overall, it teaches us that while not everything we love is meant to stay, even the fleeting can mark an entire life. * I give it a four out of five stars.
