Dua Lipa kicked off her Radical Optimism Tour in Toronto with stunning visuals, a heartfelt tribute to Nelly Furtado, and a setlist fans won’t forget
When Dua Lipa stepped onto the stage of Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, she wasn’t just starting another concert — she was launching an entire era. The Radical Optimism Tour’s opening night quickly proved why she remains one of the most magnetic performers in pop today. Nearly 20,000 fans packed the arena, eager to witness the show’s debut. What they got was more than a concert: it was a theatrical, high-energy celebration of music, art, and connection.
From the very first moment, the night carried a cinematic energy. The stage transformed into a massive ocean wave, shimmering with aquatic visuals that tied into the Radical Optimism album’s theme. As the lights dimmed and the sound of rushing water filled the arena, Dua appeared at the crest of the wave like a modern siren. At exactly 8:30, the opening notes of “Training Season” pulsed through the speakers, igniting the crowd into instant motion.
The Radical Optimism Tour is built around her latest album, which dropped last year. While it didn’t quite match the monumental success of Future Nostalgia, it has solidified Dua Lipa’s growth as an artist willing to experiment and redefine her sound. Its lead single, “Houdini,” proved unstoppable, spending 17 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Unsurprisingly, “Houdini” closed the Toronto show in spectacular fashion — but not before Dua took fans on a ride through her entire career.
The setlist was crafted to satisfy every fan, blending old hits with fresh tracks. Staples like “Break My Heart,” “Physical,” and “Levitating” kept the crowd singing word for word. Collaborations like “One Kiss” with Calvin Harris fueled the stadium’s energy, while “Be The One,” now a decade old, sparked waves of nostalgia. The performance of “New Rules” brought the house down, and her nod to the Barbie soundtrack was a reminder of how deeply Dua Lipa has shaped the sound of contemporary pop culture.
Opening the night was LA-based rising artist Cil, who brought an unexpected twist to the pre-show. Her set began with the sound of an iPhone notification, followed by a breakup voicemail that transitioned into a series of raw, emotional performances. Songs like “Bloodsucker” and “One More Shot” displayed her edgy freshness, and her finale with “Loser” gave the crowd a taste of her potential as the next big name. She proved the perfect warm-up act, setting the tone for Dua’s explosive entrance.
Throughout the concert, Dua Lipa made sure to blur the line between superstar and fan favorite. She paused between songs to chat with the audience, calling out names from the front row, grabbing a boa from a fan, and even borrowing a phone to film a clip of herself singing “Be The One.” These spontaneous interactions gave the night an intimate feel despite the massive crowd. At one point, she soared above the audience on a platform during “Anything For Love,” her presence both larger-than-life and deeply personal.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the night came when Dua dedicated part of the show to Canadian icon Nelly Furtado. Sharing that the very first Canadian CD she ever owned was Whoa, Nelly!, Dua launched into a cover of “I’m Like a Bird.” The arena erupted as generations of fans sang along, uniting the nostalgia of the early 2000s with the energy of today’s pop scene. It was a heartfelt tribute that underscored Dua’s respect for the artists who paved the way.
Production-wise, the Radical Optimism Tour spared no expense. Fire bursts, heart-shaped confetti, shifting neon visuals, and dazzling costume changes kept the show visually unpredictable. In “Love Again,” she appeared wrapped in a dramatic pink coat encircled by flames, while the finale with “Houdini” transformed the arena into a pulsating dancefloor. When she told the crowd they had “one last chance to dance,” the entire Scotiabank Arena responded as if it were a nightclub at its peak.
The Radical Optimism Tour is more than just a concert series — it’s a statement of Dua Lipa’s evolution. She has mastered the balance of spectacle and sincerity, delivering stadium-sized energy while maintaining a connection that feels personal. For fans in Toronto, opening night wasn’t just about the hits; it was about witnessing a pop star who knows exactly how to command a stage, while still feeling approachable and real.
