I’ve been to a lot of shows over the years, but there was something different about stepping into Scotiabank Arena on that September night in 2025 for Dua Lipa’s stop on her latest tour. I’d followed her career closely since New Rules started dominating playlists back in 2017, and to see her progression from rising pop star to full-blown global icon was something I had to witness in person. The buzz in the arena was undeniable — thousands of people from every walk of life, glitter, sequins, LED bracelets glowing in anticipation, all gathered for one reason: Dua.
From the moment the lights went down, I knew we were in for a ride. This wasn’t just another pop concert. It was a carefully crafted journey that showed off every side of Dua Lipa — the confident hit-maker, the playful dancer, the soulful vocalist, and, most importantly, the artist who knows how to connect with her fans.
Set 1: Training Season / End of an Era / Break My Heart / One Kiss
The opening notes of “Training Season” hit like a jolt of electricity. The stage lit up in sharp neon beams, and Dua rose from a platform in the center. She looked fierce, confident, and locked into her choreography, but what hit me most was her vocal clarity. In a live setting, the track felt bigger, heavier, more commanding than on record. You could feel the bass vibrating through the floor, and I found myself yelling every lyric back, realizing that thousands of voices were echoing mine.
Without pause, she launched into “End of an Era,” one of the newer songs that already feels like a mission statement for this tour. It’s sleek, dramatic, and packed with that theatrical flair Dua’s been leaning into lately. The crowd seemed to recognize that it was more than just a performance — it was a declaration that we were entering a new phase of her artistry.
By the time “Break My Heart” started, the whole arena was in party mode. This track has always been one of my favorites, and the live version leaned heavily into disco-funk elements, with the band stretching out the intro while Dua strutted across the stage, interacting with every corner of the audience. It was a perfect reminder of why her Future Nostalgia era hit so hard: it’s pure fun wrapped in razor-sharp production.
Then came “One Kiss,” her collaboration with Calvin Harris. This one turned Scotiabank Arena into a club. The lights dimmed to deep reds and purples, strobes flickered, and Dua’s voice slithered through the speakers. She barely needed to sing the verses — the crowd took over, chanting and dancing as if we’d all been transported to Ibiza for a late-night rave.
That first set established the tone: this wasn’t going to be a straightforward greatest-hits run-through. It was structured like a narrative, each act peeling back another layer of who Dua Lipa is right now.
Set 2: Whatcha Doing / Levitating / These Walls / I’m Like a Bird / Maria
The second act opened with “Whatcha Doing,” a playful, cheeky number that felt designed for live performance. The choreography was full of winks and smirks, and Dua was clearly having fun with it. It was in this section that I really noticed her comfort level on stage. She’s grown so much as a performer; gone are the days of people criticizing her dancing. She owned every step, every gesture, and every note.
Of course, “Levitating” blew the roof off. This was the song everyone had been waiting for, and the response was thunderous. The arena practically levitated itself as Dua encouraged the audience to jump, clap, and sing along. It’s wild to think how this song has become her signature — a modern pop anthem that belongs in the same conversation as the classics.
Then she slowed things down with “These Walls.” I wasn’t expecting how much this track would hit live. The vulnerability in her voice was striking, and the staging was stripped back — just her, a spotlight, and subtle instrumentation. It gave everyone a chance to catch their breath while also highlighting the emotional weight of her newer material.
And then, in one of the most surprising and unforgettable moments of the night, Dua covered Nelly Furtado’s “I’m Like a Bird.” The Toronto crowd erupted when the first chords played, because of course, Nelly is a Canadian icon. Dua’s version was faithful but still infused with her own style — airy, sweet, but grounded in that husky tone she’s known for. Hearing thousands of voices sing that chorus together was pure magic, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
The set closed with “Maria,” another newer track that brought the energy back up. Its playful rhythm and catchy hooks had the crowd dancing again, and it perfectly bridged the transition into the more high-octane third act.
Set 3: Physical / Electricity / Hallucinate / Illusion
When the pounding synth of “Physical” kicked in, the entire arena went berserk. This is the kind of song that was made for stadiums, with its thumping beat and adrenaline-charged chorus. Dua and her dancers delivered a workout-level performance, and the visuals — bold, vibrant, kinetic — matched the urgency of the music. I felt like my heart rate doubled during this one.
“Electricity,” her collaboration with Silk City, kept that same intensity but in a more sensual, groove-oriented way. The lighting turned golden, almost like a sunrise, and Dua’s voice soared during the chorus. What impressed me here was the way she balanced singing with full choreography — never missing a note, even while dancing.
Next came “Hallucinate,” one of my absolute favorites from Future Nostalgia. It felt like the crowd had been waiting for it all night. The chorus hit like a euphoric release, with confetti cannons firing at the climax. People around me were screaming every lyric, arms in the air, and I was right there with them.
She closed the act with “Illusion,” another recent track that carried a darker, edgier vibe. The staging was minimal, almost eerie, with sharp lighting cuts and moody visuals. It showed another side of her artistry — less about dance-floor euphoria, more about atmosphere and tension.
Set 4: Falling Forever / Happy for You / Love Again / Anything for Love / Be the One
The fourth set shifted gears into something more intimate and emotional. “Falling Forever” showcased her vocal control beautifully. Stripped of heavy production, her voice rang clear and strong across the arena.
“Happy for You” followed, and it felt like one of those songs where the entire audience collectively exhaled. There was a sincerity in her delivery that cut through all the spectacle. She stood center stage, no choreography, just raw emotion.
Of course, “Love Again” brought back the drama. It’s one of her most theatrical songs, and the live version leaned into that old-Hollywood glam feel. The visuals featured vintage film projections, and Dua moved across the stage with elegance and confidence.
Then came “Anything for Love,” which played like a heartfelt confession. I loved how she structured this part of the show — it was slower, softer, but it made the finale hit that much harder.
Finally, “Be the One” wrapped up the main set. This was the song that introduced many of us to Dua back in 2015, and hearing it live in 2025 felt like coming full circle. The crowd sang so loudly that at times Dua just held out her mic and let us take over. It was a communal moment, the kind of thing you can only experience at a live show.
Encore: New Rules / Dance the Night / Don’t Start Now / Houdini
Of course, she wasn’t done yet. The encore exploded with “New Rules,” the song that first cemented her as a global star. The choreography was sharp, the visuals bold, and the crowd absolutely lost it. Singing along to those “one, don’t pick up the phone” lines with thousands of people was euphoric.
Then came a fun twist — a shortened version of “Dance the Night” (just the chorus), clearly a nod to its Barbie soundtrack success. Even though it was quick, it had the whole arena bouncing and smiling, a burst of glittery joy.
“Don’t Start Now” might have been the single most electric moment of the night. From the opening bass line, the place turned into a giant dance floor. I couldn’t hear Dua’s voice over the crowd during the chorus — everyone was that loud. This song is already legendary, and live, it felt unstoppable.
Finally, she closed with “Houdini,” her latest smash. It was the perfect ending — sleek, futuristic, mysterious, leaving us wanting more. The visuals were mesmerizing, with kaleidoscopic lights and shadows that made it feel like we were stepping into another dimension. When she disappeared in a burst of smoke and light, it really did feel like a magic trick.
Reflections
Walking out of Scotiabank Arena, I felt exhilarated, sweaty, and honestly a little emotional. Dua Lipa has grown into one of the defining pop stars of her generation, and this concert proved why. She’s not just stringing together her hits — she’s telling a story, inviting us into her world, and giving us a night we’ll never forget.
From the precision of her vocals to the confidence of her stage presence, from the setlist that balanced old favorites and new experiments to the way she connected with the audience, this was a masterclass in what a modern pop show should be.
I’ve been to a lot of concerts, but this one is going to stick with me. Dua Lipa didn’t just perform; she created a shared experience that made thousands of people feel like they were part of something bigger. And in a world that often feels fragmented and chaotic, that kind of connection is priceless.
Setlist
Set 1
-
Training Season
-
End of an Era
-
Break My Heart
-
One Kiss (Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa song)
Set 2
5. Whatcha Doing
6. Levitating
7. These Walls
8. I’m Like a Bird (Nelly Furtado cover)
9. Maria
Set 3
10. Physical
11. Electricity (Silk City & Dua Lipa song)
12. Hallucinate
13. Illusion
Set 4
14. Falling Forever
15. Happy for You
16. Love Again
17. Anything for Love
18. Be the One
Encore
19. New Rules
20. Dance the Night (shortened)
21. Don’t Start Now
22. Houdini