Dua Lipa brought an unforgettable close to the Australian segment of her Radical Optimism world tour on March 29, delighting her Sydney fans with a special and intimate performance of “Big Jet Plane” alongside the talented Angus Stone. This surprise duet not only showcased Lipa’s vocal prowess but also created a memorable moment that fans will cherish for years to come.
The atmosphere at Qudos Bank Arena was electric as the audience enthusiastically joined Dua Lipa in a vibrant sing-along, marking the grand finale of her impressive eight-show arena tour in Australia. Lipa chose to conclude this remarkable series with the Hottest 100-winning 2010 classic originally performed by the sibling duo Angus & Julia Stone. “It felt really perfect to end on this next song,” Lipa expressed to her fans from the stage. “Seeing as I’ve gotta get on a big jet plane tomorrow!” This heartfelt moment resonated deeply with her audience, symbolizing not just a farewell but a celebration of music and connection.
Although Julia Stone was not present, Angus—who also performs under the name Dope Lemon—was on hand to lead the audience in what transformed into a full-circle moment for Australian music. This performance was not Angus’s first collaboration with an international artist; in 2023, he shared the stage with Post Malone in Melbourne during the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ opening act. Such collaborations highlight the interconnectedness of global music and the significance of Australian talent on the world stage.
During her tour, Dua Lipa consistently honored various iconic Australian artists by covering a range of songs, paying homage to both classic pub rock anthems and contemporary hits—often featuring special guests. The tour commenced in Melbourne with a high-energy performance of AC/DC’s legendary “Highway to Hell,” followed by renditions of Natalie Imbruglia’s timeless “Torn” and Kylie Minogue’s infectious “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.” A standout moment occurred when Lipa brought out Troye Sivan for a thrilling performance of “Rush,” demonstrating her ability to create unforgettable experiences for her fans.
Among the other local tributes, Lipa also covered Vance Joy’s beloved “Riptide,” INXS’s classic “Never Tear Us Apart,” and delivered a show-stopping collaboration with Troye Sivan and Kevin Parker from Tame Impala for “The Less I Know the Better.” Each of these covers not only highlighted different eras of Australian music but also showcased Lipa’s profound respect and appreciation for the rich and varied soundscape that the country offers. These performances further solidified her reputation as an artist who deeply values cultural diversity in music.
This tour marked a significant milestone as it was Dua Lipa’s first dedicated Australian tour in support of her album Radical Optimism, which impressively debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart in May 2024. The album experienced remarkable success, selling 51,500 copies in its initial week in the U.S., according to Luminate data, establishing it as her highest sales week to date. This achievement underscores her growing influence and popularity in the music industry.
As Dua Lipa prepares to continue her Radical Optimism world tour, she is set to make her next stop in New Zealand, where fans eagerly await her return. This upcoming leg of the tour promises to deliver even more electrifying performances and unforgettable moments for her devoted followers. With her continued commitment to showcasing diverse musical influences, Lipa is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences around the globe.