Latest news with #RadicalOptimism
NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
The Story Of A Harry Houdini Trick That Became A Viral Dua Lipa Song
New Delhi: "Catch me or I go Houdini." On paper, it sounds like the kind of daring ultimatum Harry Houdini himself would've uttered before disappearing from a straitjacket in midair. But in 2023, these words belonged not to the legendary illusionist but to pop star Dua Lipa, who turned Houdini's legacy into a thumping, viral, neon-lit dance anthem about red flags, independence and the seductive art of escape. And perhaps there's no better day to revisit this unlikely cultural crossover than today, Houdini's birthday, a date that celebrates the man who spent his life dodging death, defying physics and eventually, decades later, inspiring some of the biggest music artists in the world. Who Was Harry Houdini, And Why Couldn't The World Escape Him? Born Erik Weisz in Hungary on March 24, 1874, Harry Houdini was no ordinary magician. He wasn't content with sleight of hand or vanishing coins; Houdini craved the impossible. By the early 1900s, he had made a name for himself as the master of death-defying escapes: wriggling free from handcuffs, jail cells, milk cans filled with water, straitjackets while suspended upside down, and even coffins. His most iconic trick? The Chinese Water Torture Cell, a nightmare-inducing stunt where Houdini was shackled and lowered headfirst into a water tank. With the clock ticking and death looming, he would escape, every single time, leaving the audience gasping, sweaty-palmed and completely bewitched. But Houdini's greatest magic trick wasn't the escape itself, it was his ability to symbolise freedom, mystery and self-mastery. For over a century, his name became shorthand for slipping away from danger, expectation, and yes, bad relationships. And that's where Dua Lipa comes in. How Dua Lipa Turned Harry Houdini Into A Pop Persona In November 2023, Dua Lipa kicked off a new musical era with the release of her single Houdini, the first track from her third album, Radical Optimism. Clocking in as a "psychedelic club track," the song was more than just a catchy chorus. "Tell me all the ways you need me / I'm not here for long / Catch me or I go Houdini." Written with a powerhouse team that included Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Caroline Ailin and Tobias Jesso Jr, Houdini marked a sonic shift for Dua: darker, funkier, more self-aware. According to her, the song was the anchor for the entire album. "We wrote two songs, one after the other, and 'Houdini' was one of them," Dua told Hits 1 LA, adding, "And I was like, 'Okay, I feel like now I know exactly what this album's gonna be and what it's gonna sound like.'" In interviews, she revealed how the song was written "in diary form," inspired by the personal high of knowing when to leave. The metaphor of Houdini became a symbol of ghosting with grace - of trusting your gut, seeing the red flags, and poof, vanishing. Her personal red flags? "Chewing with your mouth open and ankle socks," she laughed. The "Hou-tini" Craze The song's impact wasn't confined to streaming charts; it exploded online in wild, creative ways. Fans flocked to Harry Houdini's actual grave, performing choreographed renditions of the track, turning cemeteries into TikTok sets. One such clip, captioned "RIP Harry, you would've loved Dua Lipa", racked up over 2.7 million views, catching the attention of MTV, brands like PureWow and even Playboy's Holly Madison. Even Dua herself joined in, DJing a release party at LA's famed Houdini Estate, where she danced with fans and soaked in the surreal connection between her modern pop persona and a 20th-century magician's ghost. In an interview with Audacy, she explained, "You're figuring out what you like, what you don't like, what you deserve... and then choosing when to stay and when to 'Houdini,' essentially." Other Artists Who've Gone 'Houdini' Dua isn't the only one who's found artistic magic in Houdini's name. Over the decades, Houdini has appeared as a metaphor in music that spans genres, moods and eras. Eminem's 2024 track Houdini from The Death of Slim Shady reintroduces the rapper's controversial alter-ego with the line, "For my last trick, I'm about to reach in my bag, bruh." A chaotic, cartoonish video follows, filled with callbacks to his earlier career and plenty of punchlines that land like brass knuckles. Foster the People's 2012 hit Houdini used the metaphor for industry burnout and self-erasure, especially in the music video, where the band dies in a freak accident but continues to perform through illusion. Kate Bush's haunting 1982 ballad Houdini flips the script entirely. Told from the perspective of Houdini's wife, Bess, it paints the anguish of watching your partner chase death every night: "Everybody thinks you'll never make it / But every time, you escape." Each of these artists channelled something different: rage, love, vulnerability, bravado, but Houdini remained the through-line: an idea, a mask, a myth. Magic In Modern Form The brilliance of Dua Lipa's Houdini lies in how seamlessly it bridges past and present. The vanishing act, once a literal escape from chains, becomes emotional survival in the age of red flags and read receipts. Houdini once escaped from locked boxes thrown into rivers. Today's woman escapes from relationships with no emotional reciprocity. The music video, which Dua shot over two 12-hour days, shows her sweating it out in a rehearsal hall, caught between mirrors and movement. "It was so fun, though," she said. She added, "A lot of bruises, a lot of sweat, a lot of dancing." Sounds like Houdini would've approved. The Final Word Harry Houdini died on October 31, 1926, just days after performing with a ruptured appendix. His death remains wrapped in its own folklore; some say it was the result of a surprise punch to the stomach, others insist it was just bad timing and stubbornness. But death couldn't stop Houdini. And clearly, neither can time. On his birthday, it's oddly perfect that a pop banger keeps his name alive, not in the wings of a vaudeville stage, but through dance floors, playlists, viral reels and lyrics that dare us to disappear before we're diminished. Because whether you're in chains or chasing closure, the message remains the same: "Catch me or I go Houdini." And just like that, she's gone.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Dua Lipa granted citizenship in Kosovo: 'My two sides are now one'
PRISTINA: British-Albanian pop sensation Dua Lipa has been officially granted citizenship in Kosovo, the country her family is from. The singer, who was born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents and lived briefly in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, as a child, said the honour "completes the duality I have always had within." The BBC reported that President Vjosa Osmani hosted the special ceremony, describing it as an "honour" to grant citizenship to an individual she hailed as "one of the most iconic cultural figures in our country's history." The President praised Lipa for carrying Kosovo's story "with strength, pride, and grace" on a global stage, adding that the country's gratitude for her efforts is "endless." Lipa's connection to Kosovo is well-documented. She has often spoken of her love for the country and in 2018, she and her father co-founded the Sunny Hill Festival in Pristina. The annual music event aims to "change the rhetoric of what people think about Kosovo and it being war-torn," a reference to the country's past. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, a move recognised by the UK, US, and many other nations, but not by Serbia itself. The 'Radical Optimism' singer is currently in Kosovo for this year's three-day Sunny Hill Festival, where she headlined on Friday. She shared her feelings on Instagram, writing that it was "hard to put into words what it means" to share the night with her fans "in the city that shaped me, surrounded by so much energy, joy, and pride." This is not the first time Lipa has been recognised for her efforts to promote her heritage. In 2022, she was also awarded Albanian citizenship and named an Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo, a title she described as an "honour and a privilege to be able to represent my country all over the world." The ceremony was a heartfelt affair, with a children's choir performing a rendition of her hit song 'Levitating'. UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, was also in attendance and posted a photograph with Lipa on social media, proudly saying that both the UK and Kosovo consider her "one of our own." With this latest honour, Dua Lipa now holds citizenship for Britain, Albania, and Kosovo.
Vogue
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Dua Lipa Proposes the Perfect Festival Outfit at Sunny Hill
Dua Lipa kicked off her festival, Sunny Hill, in Kosovo with much to celebrate. This week, the pop star was granted Kosovo citizenship. It 'feels like my two sides are now one,' she said. 'It completes the duality I have always had within. I love this country and this means so much to me and my family.' The ceremony, led by President Vjosa Osmani, saw a choir of children sing Lipa's own song 'Levitating.' She wore a chocolate brown, sculptural leather mini dress from Ferragamo, with Paris Texas pumps, and a red shoulder bag. Then, it was straight into three days of partying at Sunny Hill, where Lipa brought a Glastonbury-coded wardrobe. Photographed speaking to a fan, the Radical Optimism singer wore a white and black graphic Sunny Hill festival t-shirt, with blue Re/Done frayed denim shorts and a Chrome Hearts western black and gold belt, with a favorite pair of Miu Miu black leather buckle boots. Lipa headlined the Friday night of the fest, with other acts including Shawn Mendes, Fatboy Slim, and Peggy Gou. Her costumes continued the glamorous, glitzy thread of her Radical Optimism tour, where she donned custom Attico mini dresses and Jean Paul Gaultier bustiers, a sheer, sexy bridal Balenciaga gown and a show-stopping Chanel bodysuit that paid homage to archival dress worn by Christy Turlington in the '90s. For Sunny Hill, she opted for a silver and white Dilara Fındıkoğlu bra and corset with silvery fringes and a glittery burgundy bodysuit with tassels. After her performance at Sunny Hill in Prishtina on Friday, Lipa wrote on Instagram: 'Sharing this night with you all, in the city that shaped me, surrounded by so much energy, joy, and pride…it's hard to put into words what it means.'
TimesLIVE
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
How to get Dua Lipa's rainproof hair
From Diana Ross to Rihanna, many artists have been on stage and in music videos that made jaws drop as they performed in the rain. While getting soaked has seen them etched in the memory of many fans, going viral in the water has been the stuff of South Africa's Tyla and recently pop sensation Dua Lipa. Her recent performance in Liverpool for the Radical Optimism tour left fans in awe of how flawless she looked, particularly her makeup and hair. Beauty and wellness booking app Fresha spoke to top hairstylist Louise Davies at Rubies & Co on how to achieve sweat-proof, humidity resistant hair, like Dua. 'Start with the right prep,' says Davies. 'Most hair has natural texture — embrace it. Don't fight frizz. Work with your hair, not against it.'
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Drenched and divine: Dua Lipa's rain-soaked performance inspires a beauty storm
Dua Lipa Image: Instagram. Award-winning singer Dua Lipa's recent performance during her Radical Optimism tour in Liverpool took a memorable turn when it began to rain heavily. Amidst the downpour, fans weren't just captivated by her powerhouse vocals; they were equally mesmerised by her flawless appearance, particularly her make-up and hair. The sight of the singer confidently commanding the stage while embracing the rain quickly went viral, igniting discussions about achieving a similar look. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading To uncover the secrets behind Lipa's striking look, renowned hair stylist Louise Davies shared her expert advice via the popular beauty and wellness booking app, Fresha. Davies provided invaluable guidance on styling sweat-proof, humidity-resistant hair that can withstand both heat and the occasional rain shower. "Most hair has some natural texture; embrace it. Don't fight frizz. Work with your hair, not against it," Davies shared. She suggested the following go-to hairstyles. Sleek low bun. Natural waves with a side part. High-power ponytail. Slicked-back wet look. Textured top knot (messy bun). Plaited pigtails. 'A side parting can add an element of modernity, a great leave-in conditioner or an intense treatment is key here too, as it will help your natural hair move, adds a moment of self-care and hydration too," she said. Expert tips for enduring style Beyond the styles, the finishing touches are essential for ensuring that your look remains intact despite weather changes. Davies recommended sealing your style with a lightweight oil or shine spray to add gloss while incorporating oils, serums or sprays that repel moisture. 'Blow-dry smarter by drying in smaller sections and using the right tools and temperature,' she suggested, also urging individuals to avoid touching their hair too much. This simple step can significantly decrease the likelihood of frizz and maintain that polished finish. For those unpredictable moments when the weather takes a turn, Davies recommended keeping the right accessories handy: "I would suggest snag-free ties like spiral bands or silk scrunchies. "Sweat-proof headbands are great for keeping moisture off the hairline. If you'd rather not keep your hair down, up-do styles such as loose buns, high ponytails, or braids not only look fantastic but also help keep hair in place." As concert-goers and festival fans gear up for outdoor events, these expert tips from Davies may help ensure that you, too, can embrace the elements while looking as flawless as Lipa did in Liverpool.
