A Queen Honoring a Queen
Dua Lipa delivered a magical moment during her Radical Optimism Tour stop in Auckland last night (April 2), stunning the Spark Arena crowd with a surprise cover of Lorde’s era-defining hit “Royals”. The heartfelt tribute held special significance as Lipa performed it in Lorde’s homeland – a full-circle moment for two artists who have long admired each other’s work.
“We’re bigger than we ever dreamed, and I’m in love with being queen,” Lipa sang while playfully miming a crown over her head, sending the crowd into euphoric screams.
Watch the Full Performance Here
A Royal Moment on Stage
Dressed in a lacey black bodysuit with a dramatic cream shawl, Lipa transformed Spark Arena into her kingdom during the surprise cover. Fan footage shows:
- The Grammy winner crowning herself during the “you can call me queen” line
- The crowd screaming every word in unison
- Backup singers creating angelic harmonies on the minimalist chorus
Why This Cover Matters
The performance wasn’t just a casual nod – it celebrated a mutual artistic respect between the pop stars:
- 2017: Lorde praised Dua’s New Rules as “perfect pop”
- 2020: Lipa called Lorde “one of our generation’s most important voices”
- 2024: Both artists were seen leaving the same London recording studio (fueling collab rumors)
Fan @PopCultureReacts tweeted:
“DUA COVERING LORDE IN AUCKLAND?! I’m actually crying. Two legends understanding the assignment.”
Inside the Show-Stopping Moment
- The Look: Lipa rocked a gothic-romantic ensemble – black lace bodysuit with a cream faux-fur shawl
- The Vibe: Minimalist arrangement highlighting her vocals and the crowd’s deafening singalong
- The Nod: Backup singers recreating the iconic “oh-oh-oh” harmonies from the original
Burning Question: Could this tease a future collaboration? (Lorde’s been studio-hopping lately!)
What’s Next on the Radical Optimism Tour
New Zealand:
- April 4: Second sold-out Auckland show (featuring different surprise covers?)
Coming Soon:
- Europe: 15+ stadium dates starting May (pyrotechnics confirmed!)
- North America: September arena tour with “reimagined production”
- Deluxe Edition: Industry insiders hint at 4 new tracks + alternate versions
This is just the beginning—Dua’s Radical Optimism era is only getting bigger. Stay tuned for more surprises, because if this tour has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.
