Dua Lipa set Toronto ablaze on September 1, 2025, as she launched the North American leg of her highly anticipated Radical Optimism Tour at the Scotiabank Arena. The show marked the beginning of a string of performances that will see the pop star crisscrossing major cities across the United States and Canada. Fans, many of whom had waited months for the tour’s arrival, were treated to a meticulously staged performance that reaffirmed Lipa’s status as one of pop’s most electrifying live performers.
The Toronto opener unfolded like a theatrical production, with a 22-song setlist arranged into four distinct acts and a dynamic encore. Each act had its own visual style and thematic energy, blending seamlessly into the next to create a fluid narrative of sound and spectacle. Lipa kicked off the night with tracks from her latest album, Radical Optimism, including “Training Season” and “End of an Era,” before moving into crowd favorites like “Break My Heart” and the club anthem “One Kiss.” The audience erupted during the second act when she performed “Levitating,” one of her signature hits, followed by a surprise cover of Nelly Furtado’s early-2000s classic “I’m Like a Bird.” The blend of her own music with tributes to past influences underscored her versatility and ability to connect across generations of pop music fans.
As the show progressed, Lipa leaned into her strengths as both a vocalist and a performer. The third act ramped up the intensity with pulse-pounding renditions of “Physical,” “Hallucinate,” and “Illusion,” with dazzling choreography that filled every corner of the arena. The visuals—an explosive mix of pyrotechnics, high-definition projections, and light displays—matched the energy of the music, giving the audience a fully immersive experience. The finale brought the house down as Lipa closed with a string of her most iconic hits, including “New Rules,” “Dance the Night,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Houdini,” ensuring the crowd left with no doubt about her star power.
Part of what made the night even more memorable were the surprise appearances woven into the performance. Toronto singer-songwriter Mustafa joined Lipa on stage for an emotional duet of his song “Name of God,” giving the hometown crowd a moment of intimacy amid the arena-sized spectacle. Meanwhile, Chaka Khan, who has appeared at select stops on the tour, has added further star power to the shows, underscoring the tour’s unpredictability and its flair for unforgettable collaborations. These guest appearances have become a hallmark of the Radical Optimism Tour, generating buzz and keeping audiences on their toes about what might happen next.
The production itself reflected Lipa’s growing confidence as a performer who has mastered the art of balancing intimacy with spectacle. Critics noted her ability to move gracefully between soaring ballads and dance-floor anthems, all while commanding the stage with her distinct presence. One reviewer remarked on her “ability to turn a massive arena into a personal space,” highlighting how her charisma and stagecraft created a sense of closeness even for those watching from the rafters.
The North American leg of the tour comes on the heels of successful shows in Europe and Asia earlier in the year, where Lipa consistently sold out venues and received strong reviews. This portion of the tour includes some of her biggest shows yet, most notably a run of four consecutive nights at New York City’s Madison Square Garden later in September. With tickets priced between $37 and $130, the tour has been made accessible to a wide range of fans, further fueling the high demand.
The Radical Optimism Tour supports Lipa’s third studio album of the same name, released in May 2024, which has already produced several chart-topping singles. The album itself has been praised for its optimistic tone and bold experimentation, themes that have translated seamlessly into the live performances. The tour not only celebrates her recent work but also cements her evolution from breakthrough star to seasoned global headliner.
For many fans, the Toronto show represented more than just a concert—it was a cultural moment. Social media buzzed with clips of the performance, sparking excitement for upcoming stops across North America. Fans praised the setlist, the guest collaborations, and the meticulous attention to detail in the staging, while critics heralded it as one of the most ambitious pop productions of the year.
As Dua Lipa continues her North American journey, expectations remain high. With a blend of polished performance, theatrical flair, and spontaneous surprises, the Radical Optimism Tour is already being hailed as a defining moment in her career. Toronto set the tone, and if the opening night is any indication, fans across the continent are in for a spectacle that blends music, art, and star power in unforgettable fashion.