Dua Lipa knows how to captivate a crowd. Fresh off her chart-smashing success with New Rules, which peaked at number two, the pop sensation took the stage at Manchester Academy for an unforgettable night of hit after hit. From the moment the lights dimmed, the crowd was electrified, and Dua didn’t let up.
Fans of all ages filled the Academy, eager to see their favourite pop icon live. While the buzz was undeniable, the venue’s bar queues proved a little tedious, and the drink prices—unsurprisingly steep for a university venue—didn’t help matters.
Opening act Grace Carter warmed up the crowd with her effortless vocals, amping up the energy with a cheeky “Who’s excited for Dua Lipa?” The response? A roar of approval that shook the room. As anticipation built, the lights finally dropped, and the show began.
Kicking off with Hotter Than Hell, one of her standout tracks, Dua unleashed a surge of energy that rippled through the venue and kept the momentum going until the final encore. The crowd was hooked, not just by her vocals but also by the vivid visual effects that accompanied every song.
A standout moment came before IDGAF, when a cheeky on-screen message warned: “This one’s for all the fckboys.”* Cue wild cheers, whoops, and a burst of explicit but supportive energy from the audience.
Tracks like IDGAF and Blow Your Mind (Mwah) turned the room into a euphoric singalong, with fans—dads included—screaming every lyric at the top of their lungs.
Dua kept the energy high throughout, frequently thanking the Manchester crowd and urging them to “keep this party going.” While her stage presence was undeniable—commanding the spotlight with her signature moves and flawless vocals—her between-song banter was minimal.
One surprise for many was her live rendition of Scared to Be Lonely, a collaboration with DJ Martin Garrix. The emotional performance was met with a warm reception and added a tender moment to the setlist.
The night wrapped up with an encore fans were eagerly anticipating. Dua performed Be the One, followed by the ultimate crowd-pleaser, New Rules. The room erupted at the opening notes, with fans dancing, singing, and even dropping to the floor in perfect sync with the beat.
As the show ended at an early 10:15pm, fans poured out of the venue with grins plastered on their faces, clearly buzzing from the night’s energy.
Dua Lipa’s Manchester Academy performance was a masterclass in pop showmanship. From the stellar visuals to the hit-packed setlist, she proved why she’s one of the biggest stars of her generation. The only critique? We wouldn’t have minded a bit more chatter from Dua herself—but when the music’s this good, who’s complaining?
