Madison Phipps
Dua Lipa returned to Miami for the first time in three years with her Radical Optimism Tour, performing two sold out nights at the Kaseya Center. I was there for night two, and from the opening visuals to the final encore, the show was a full production that felt like stepping into Dua’s dream world.
The night began with wave visuals across the screen as the lights dimmed. Dua appeared on a wave shaped platform, dressed in a shimmering gold bodysuit with matching boots, launching into her opening song “Training Season.” The high energy was immediate, with mesmerizing visuals and impressive choreography that made it hard to know where to look. For the second song, “End of an Era,” dancers surrounded her while holding feathered wings against a backdrop of pastel clouds. It was one of the most visually stunning moments of the show.
The concert was divided into four acts, with Dua changing outfits for each act. Act one built momentum with songs like “Break My Heart” set against deep red lighting, as dancers lifted Dua into the air, and included fan favorite “One Kiss.” In act two, she performed “Levitating,” and the audience truly began to let loose and danced along.
Midway through the set, Dua moved to the B stage for a more intimate moment, performing several songs, “These Walls,” “One Last Time,” and “Maria.” She delivered a heartfelt cover of Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time.” The stripped-back vocals and simplified staging allowed fans a closer with Dua.
The highlight of act three was her performance of “Physical,” where dancers wielded glowing LED batons in a high energy routine.
The encore was pure celebration, stacked with her biggest hits. “New Rules,” “Dance the Night,” and “Don’t Start Now” turned the arena into a massive dance floor before she closed with “Houdini.” The visuals throughout the show, from crashing waves to running horses, dreamy clouds, and fiery reds, were bold, colorful, and constantly captivating. Confetti rained down repeatedly throughout the night at least five or six times, and pyro exploded while she even performed around a ring of fire during “Love Again.”
What made the night even more special was Dua’s connection with her fans. She walked through the floor to take selfies and greet fans, something rare for a show of this size. Miami gave her a warm welcome, and she returned that love with nearly two hours of nonstop music, a 22 song setlist, and a performance that was out of this world.
As her song “Falling Forever” says, “How long can it just keep getting better?… So tonight, I’ll give you something to remember.” This show, this tour, was something to remember, and I highly recommend seeing her on the Radical Optimism Tour if you get a chance.