Pop star Dua Lipa ignited a chilly evening at Glastonbury on Friday, converting the renowned Pyramid stage into a pulsating open-air nightclub. Thousands of fans danced fervently to chart-toppers like “Levitating” and “Houdini,” soaking in the electrifying atmosphere she created.
Making her debut as a headliner at the iconic music festival in southern England, Lipa delivered a glittery and high-energy performance. The spectacle included an impressive array of fireworks, five costume changes, and a vibrant ensemble of break dancers and musicians, ensuring the crowd remained enthralled throughout the night.
The 28-year-old British-Albanian singing sensation expressed her joy to the audience, sharing that performing at Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage had always been her dream. The stage has a long-standing history of hosting legendary artists like Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, and David Bowie over the festival’s more than 50-year existence.
“Little me would just be so beside herself right now,” Lipa confessed cheerfully to the audience. “Honestly, I couldn’t believe it. I feel so grateful.”
Born in London to parents from Kosovo with Albanian descent, Dua Lipa’s musical journey began as a teenager when she started covering songs by other pop artists and uploading them on YouTube. Her online presence caught the attention of music industry executives, leading to her signing a record deal in 2014 at the age of 18. In 2019, she cemented her place in the pop music landscape by winning two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
The sea of humanity at Glastonbury erupted into dance and jubilation during her performance of hits like “New Rules” and “Love Again.”
“We’re obsessed. Dua was on another level,” exclaimed Sophie Page, a 30-year-old fan from London who was part of the exhilarated crowd.
. “I knew she was going to be good, but the energy she brought… her emotion really came through.”
As a special highlight, Lipa welcomed Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, a collaborator on her latest album, to the stage. The duo’s performance of “The Less I Know the Better” electrified the audience even further, showcasing a blend of their musical styles.
Dua Lipa joined a diverse lineup of headliners including Coldplay, R&B singer SZA, and country music legend Shania Twain. This year’s festival featured a notable increase in female talent, addressing previous criticisms over the male-dominated roster from last year.
Earlier that day, history was also made on the Glastonbury stage as Seventeen, a prominent K-Pop group, became the first of their genre to ever perform at the festival. The inclusion of such diverse acts highlights Glastonbury’s growing efforts to embrace a wider spectrum of musical talent.
Lipa’s performance was not just a musical set but a visual and emotional journey that left a lasting impression on all attendees. She made the most of her debut at the Pyramid stage, capitalizing on the event’s legacy and the captive audience to deliver an unforgettably vibrant show.
Her presence on the iconic stage not only marks a personal milestone but also contributes to the evolving narrative of Glastonbury’s inclusivity and celebration of varied musical expressions. The addition of artists like Lipa and groups like Seventeen underscores the festival’s commitment to adapting and expanding its horizon in the ever-evolving landscape of the global music scene.
The reaction from fans and critics alike reaffirmed that Dua Lipa’s Glastonbury debut was nothing short of spectacular, further solidifying her position as a dominant force in the pop music world. The energy, emotion, and sheer spectacle of her performance exemplified why she deserved to be a headliner at one of the world’s most renowned music festivals.
As the fireworks faded and the night drew to a close, it was clear that Dua Lipa had made her mark on Glastonbury. Her dream of performing at the Pyramid stage had come true, and she did not just live up to the expectations—she surpassed them, leaving an indelible mark on the festival and its history.
