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Packers-Bears aside, sometimes it just makes sense to take the drive down I-94 and step into enemy territory to spend the night in Chicago. Friday night was one of those nights. Dua Lipa packed the United Center for the first of two sold-out shows on her “Radical Optimism Tour”, and trust us, the optimism was contagious.
For nearly two hours, the British pop star turned the house that Jordan built into a euphoric dance floor, reminding fans why she’s one of the biggest names in pop music today. From fireworks and confetti showers to flawless choreography and a surprise guest, every moment felt bigger, bolder, and more spectacular than the last. Chicago got the party, and if you were stuck back home, you missed an event worth bragging about.
Here are 10 reasons you should have drove down to Chicago for Dua Lipa’s
tour stop.
1. A “radical” start
The show opened with waves crashing on the giant stage, its design shaped like a rolling tide, perfectly on-brand with Dua’s Radical Optimism cover art. When Dua Lipa rose from the crest to launch into “Training Season,” fireworks exploding above, the crowd knew this would be no ordinary Friday night.
2. The GA floor was next-level energy
United Center’s general admission floor cranked things up another notch relative to your typical arena concert. Fans danced shoulder-to-shoulder while Dua sprinted down a massive catwalk that ended with a glowing B-stage circle, making the whole arena feel like a pop dance club.
3. A surprise legend
Just when the first half of the set was reaching its boiling point, out strutted Chicago’s own Chaka Khan. She and Dua belted out “Ain’t Nobody” together in a moment that sent the arena into chaos.
4. Confetti for every mood
The Radical Optimism Tour doesn’t just throw confetti, it tells a story with it. Heart-shaped bursts rained down during “Break My Heart,” and flower petals and a rainbow storm took over during other tracks from the evening.
5. Stellar choreography
Back in her early Chicago radio show days, performing a few songs for B96 and iHeartRadio listeners, Dua was still figuring out her stage presence. Now? She’s in full command. Every number came with sharp, intricate choreography, soaring leaps, hair flips, and perfectly in-sync backup dancers. She’s evolved from promising pop star into full-blown superstar.
6. Fan love from Milwaukee
Dua didn’t just wave at fans from a distance, she waded into the crowd, hugged a fabulous Milwaukee man named Charles, snapped selfies with an 8-year-old Wisconsin girl, and laughed with a fan who handed her his phone with a cheeky “don’t scroll” warning. All of the above made for an especially intimate show in one of the city's biggest rooms.
7. A stage show on fire, literally
During “Love Again,” Dua glided inside a circle of fire before being lifted on a pedestal, bathed in flame and light like some pop goddess. Later, during “Anything for Love,” she floated above the crowd while the United Center sang the lyrics back. It was spectacle at its finest.
8. A setlist stacked with bangers
The hits came nonstop: “Levitating,” “Physical,” “Break My Heart,” “Houdini,” “New Rules,” and so many more. Dua even tossed in a chorus of “Dance the Night” during the evening’s encore for good measure. By the end, fans were levitating out of the arena.
9. A Chicago love letter
“Every time I come to Chicago it’s so f*cking special,” Dua told the crowd. “It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.” With two sold-out nights, at least one special guest, and fans from all over, this was one of those “I was there” concerts.
10. Cil set the tone
Los Angeles–based singer Cil opened the night with an intimate yet powerful set. Moving through viral tracks like “Bloodsucker” and “One More Shot,” she had the crowd swaying before Dua Lipa hit the stage. The Midwest welcomed her like an old friend. Dua Lipa is continuing her two-night residency tonight with a second sold-out show at the United Center.
