Dua Lipa performing during her sold out show at Ball Arena. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
The last time we saw Dua Lipa she was playing a sold out show at The Fillmore in 2018. Since then Lipa has exploded onto the scene holding the throne as the queen of pop (a title that can be argued for many other artist). What makes Lipa unique is the way she carries herself on and off the stage. A performer who engages with fans and is thoroughly invested with them. On stage it’s her no hold barred approach and relentless work ethic that made for one of the most memorable shows we have ever got to witness. In support of her current album Future Nostalgia she brought along some friends to open for her on tour. First up was a well received set by former indie-outfit Chairlift Caroline Polachek. It was a sort of homecoming for Polachek who attended nearby University of Colorado back in the day. Her pop-friendly set was a perfect warm up for this tour.
Lipa gets Physical during her opening number on the Future Nostalgia Tour. Photo Credit: Robert Castro
The crowd began to feel electric as the next opener could have easily sold out the arena herself. Although we are at the tail end of winter, it was “hot girl summer” on stage as none other than Megan Thee Stallion took command and did not let up during her short stint. From beginning to end it was an all out twerkfest as Megan played all her dance inducing hits with no remorse. It won’t be long before Megan is heading her own arena tour soon.
It was time for the main event, adorned by a large LED monitor reflecting images to compliment her tour aesthetic Lipa introduced her dancers on the screen with a superhero intro. As she appeared with opening number “Physical” the deafening screams began for the night (they did not stop). Adorned in a yellow one-piece jumpsuit, Lipa made each song come to life with carefully orchestrated choreography that we have not seen in a long time. Each song told a story and made everybody dance non-stop as she ripped through her catalog of hits. The production on this tour is a visual delight with costume changes, dancers, images and more. Most people take short breaks during songs as the altitude in Denver is notorious for making you catch your breath, it did not seem to effect Lipa at all. Notable hits included “Levitating”, “One Kiss”, “Don’t Start Now”.
It was a great night for music and celebration, a small dose of what we all have been yearning for the last two years during a pandemic.
