Pop sensation Dua Lipa delivered a breathtaking performance at Glastonbury, marking her first ever headline slot with an ambitious and electrifying show that captivated the massive audience from start to finish.
Taking the Pyramid Stage shortly after 10 pm, Lipa opened with a flawless run of five songs: “Training Season,” “One Kiss,“ “Illusion,” “Break My Heart,“ and “Levitating.“ Each song featured choreography worthy of an award show, and the pace remained unrelenting throughout the night.
The 28-year-old singer stunned the crowd with five costume changes, each outfit featuring heavy studs and leather, maintaining a consistent theme. Lipa’s setlist was a testament to her chart-topping career, as she performed 15 top 40 hits, including fan favorites like “Don’t Start Now,” “Physical,“ and “New Rules.“
She also showcased her popular collaborations with Elton John on “Cold Heart“ and Mark Ronson on “Electricity.“ Curiously, her Barbie hit “Dance The Night“ was not performed live but was instead featured in a video interlude during one of her costume changes.
Lipa’s raspy mezzo-soprano voice resonated through the warm Somerset air, particularly during the dramatic ballad “Happy For You“ and the sensuous “Houdini,“ which closed her set.
Throughout the performance, Lipa repeatedly expressed her gratitude and amazement at achieving her dream of headlining Glastonbury, a moment she had manifested long before recording her first album.
“I’ve written this moment down and wished for it and dreamt it and worked so hard,“ she told the crowd. Reflecting on her early career, she recalled playing to a mere ten people who had only attended for the free drinks, making her current massive audience of nearly 100,000 people all the more overwhelming.
Lipa’s nightclub-like atmosphere was achieved through meticulous choreography, with every move executed with precision.
Despite the highly polished nature of her performance, moments of spontaneity shone through, such as when she joined the crowd at the barriers to sing along to her early hit “Be The One.“ This interaction, though reminiscent of her 2017 Glastonbury performance, felt genuine and heartfelt.
A highlight of the night was when Lipa was joined on stage by Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, a collaborator on her new album “Radical Optimism.“ Together, they performed Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know The Better,“ allowing Lipa to break free from the choreographed routines and simply enjoy the music.
While some critics might argue that the show felt aimed at the global TV audience rather than the live crowd, the energy never waned. Lipa’s ability to seamlessly sequence her setlist ensured that even new material was well-received, always leading into another certified hit within minutes.
Before the show, Lipa had vowed to turn Glastonbury into a nightclub, and she stayed true to her word. Each song received a sonic overhaul, incorporating elements from the ’90s rave scene and enhancing beats with powerful sub-bass.
Notably, her breakout hit “New Rules“ was mashed up with “Glue“ by Northern Irish dance act Bicep, creating a unique festival experience.
Lipa’s fashion choices also contributed to the club vibe, with outfits that complemented those of her dancers. From a chunky studded belt to red-and-black flamed hotpants, her costumes enhanced the immersive feeling of a night out rather than a distant pop concert.
Her decision to wear flat shoes facilitated the intense dancing, further connecting her with the audience.
The performance was punctuated with fireworks and confetti, cementing Lipa’s bid for Glastonbury immortality. As fireworks lit up the sky and confetti rained down, it became clear that the other headliners of the weekend, including the seasoned Coldplay, would have a tough act to follow.
Setlist for Dua Lipa’s Glastonbury Performance:
- Training Season
- One Kiss
- Illusion
- Break My Heart
- Levitating
- These Walls
- Be The One
- The Less I Know, The Better (Tame Impala cover)
- Be The One
- Falling Forever
- Love Again
- Pretty Please
- Hallucinate
- New Rules
- Electricity
- Cold Heart
- Happy For You
- Physical
- Don’t Start Now
- Houdini
The rest of Saturday’s lineup at Glastonbury was equally impressive. The Sugababes, for instance, delighted fans with hits like “Overload,” “Hole In The Head,“ and “About You Now.“
Dance collective Jungle, rock band Idles, and Jamie xx also drew large crowds, with Jamie xx reuniting with his bandmates from The xx for an emotional performance of “You’ve Got The Love.”
The evening was full of surprise guests. Anne-Marie introduced Aitch on The Other Stage to perform “Psycho,“ while Damon Albarn joined Bombay Bicycle Club to perform Blur’s “Tender“ and “Heaven,“ a track from Bombay Bicycle Club’s 2023 album “My Big Day.“
Albarn also took a moment to encourage the crowd to vote in the upcoming general election, subtly criticizing the recent debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
The night saw chaotic scenes at the Stonebridge Bar when dance star Fred Again made an unexpected appearance, leading to thousands of fans attempting to cram into the small venue. Similarly, the West Holts stage witnessed a packed audience for the Sugababes, resulting in a one-in, one-out policy due to overwhelming demand.
On The Park Stage, Irish band Fontaines DC offered a stark contrast to Lipa’s polished performance with a bleakly beautiful set. Frontman Grian Chatten, dressed in a skirt, delivered hits like “Boys in the Better Land“ and “Starburster,“ Rolling Stone magazine’s single of the year. Their performance, though less visceral than their previous Glastonbury appearance, showcased a more polished sound and richer vocals.
Preceding Dua Lipa on the Pyramid Stage was LCD Soundsystem, which provided a perfect pairing for the sunset. The New York band leaned into their emotional catalog with songs like “Home,” “I Can Change,“ and “Someone Great“ before closing with the euphoric “All My Friends.“ The performance bridged generations of fans, highlighting the band’s enduring appeal and longevity.
Overall, Dua Lipa’s headline performance at Glastonbury was a resounding success, solidifying her place as a top-tier pop artist. Her ability to combine meticulous choreography with genuine moments of connection created an unforgettable experience for both the live audience and those watching globally.
As the weekend continued, the bar was set high for the remaining headliners, but Lipa’s show will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of Glastonbury 2024.
