Dua Lipa says she “manifested” headlining Glastonbury with her third album
Dua Lipa has said she “manifested” headlining Glastonbury with her third album early on in her career.
The pop star is due to top the bill on the Pyramid Stage at the legendary Worthy Farm event next month alongside Coldplay and SZA. She previously played on the John Peel Stage (now Woodsies) in 2016 and 2017.
Lipa’s set will follow the release of her “psychedelia, trip-hop, and Britpop”-inspired third album ‘Radical Optimism’, which is out tomorrow (May 3).
During a new interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, the singer explained how she “believe[s] in manifestation big time”. She revealed that she had “written down” a note about her hopes of one day collaborating with Tame Impala (a co-writer and producer on ‘Radical Optimism’) when she was working on her first record.
“So that was something that I’d written down for album three. And another thing that I’d written down for album three was headlining Glastonbury,” Lipa continued.
“I feel like I’m going to get teary talking about it. Glastonbury is just the festival, that one, I’ve loved going just as a fan. And to go up on that stage and perform…”
Lipa went on to recall being given a “terrible slot” at Glastonbury 2016 before returning the following year and having “the best time”.
“But I felt that by album three, I’d be deserving of maybe headlining or something,” she told Lowe.
“It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud […] It’s all very surreal. Yeah, it’s just like… it’s my biggest dream. It’s headlining Glastonbury! On the Friday night! It’s real! When I’m in the studio and I’m writing, the first thought that comes into my mind is, ‘What is this going to sound like at Glastonbury?’
“For me, it’s the most beautiful experience that I’ve ever had. But seeing other people, the connection, the community, the love, the feeling that everyone shares where they just come together to have a good time… there’s such a sense of freedom there.”
Lipa said: “I got an email at the end of my ‘Future Nostalgia’ tour. I’ve known [I was headlining] for a little while… it’s been the biggest secret. And actually, I didn’t even tell the band until we were coming towards the end of the writing and I was just like, ‘I’m going to perform quite a few of these songs on the record at Glastonbury and I’m going to be headlining’.
“And I think everyone was just like… I think they felt the energy. That fuelled me in a different way to make this album. Thinking about what it’s going to look like on stage. Yeah. Every time I think about performing these songs, it’s like a rush of electricity going through my body.”
Lipa then hinted that some of her ‘Radical Optimism’ collaborators – including Kevin Parker of Tame Impala and Tobias Jesso Jr. – could “maybe” turn up on stage with her at the festival.
The singer pulled one of the biggest crowds of the weekend with her Glasto 2017 performance, which came just three weeks after the release of her self-titled debut album. Reflecting on the milestone gig, she told NME afterwards: “It was amazing – a highlight of my career so far.”
Lipa added: “[It was] honestly my favourite performance. I had just such a blast, and I felt so free on stage. Yeah… it was really, really special. I had the best time.”
Elsewhere in the conversation, she said: “It’s always really interesting to watch headliners at Glastonbury, and see what they bring. It’s always so exciting.”
Lipa also spoke about her about her favourite (and least favourite) thing about the festival and shared some of her Glasto memories You can revisit the full video interview above.
A waxwork of Lipa at Madame Tussauds in London later donned the same outfit she had worn for her Glasto 2017 show.
In 2020, Lipa was booked to headline the Other Stage at that year’s Glastonbury in support of her second album ‘Future Nostalgia’. The festival was ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however.
Writing on Instagram in March, Lipa said: “FRIDAY NIGHT PYRAMID STAGE HEADLINE!!!! I have dreamt of this moment all my life.
“Something that lived only in my wildest dreams and highest manifestations !!! I am so excited to see you all in my favourite place on earth and make it a night to remember!! Thank you @emily_eavis ~ GLASTO 4EVER 
.”
Dua Lipa has announced a one-off concert at the historic Royal Albert Hall in London for this autumn, as well as a run of European shows for this summer.
She has already shared three singles from ‘Radical Optimism’ in the form of ‘Houdini’, ‘Training Season’ and ‘Illusion’.
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Tom Skinner
NME
