Everything you need to know Dua Lipa's her third album 'Radical Optimism'
She's on tour!
Dua Lipa's highly-anticipated third album was a long time coming, but the singer delighted fans in May 2024 by releasing 'Radical Optimism'. The album, featuring hits such as 'Houdini', 'Training Season' and 'Illusion' finally arrived in its entirety on 3rd May.
Dua's newest album is the follow-up to her 2020 hit 'Future Nostalgia', and it's safe to say that fans have been eagerly awaiting the record for quite some time.
Back in March, Dua announced that her third album would be called 'Radical Optimism' with a release date of 3rd May 2024. Dua also shared the album's cover art on her Instagram page, in addition to revealing the album's tracklist.
Captioning the post, Dua wrote: 'RADICAL OPTIMISM MY 3RD STUDIO ALBUM OUT MAY 3RD 2024 SHOT BY @tyronelebon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!' (sic)
What is Dua Lipa's third album called?
Dua's third album is called 'Radical Optimism'. She previously told us that she had the name of the album before she started writing. She said: "The album title was just something I really... felt like I really resonated with, I wasn't 100% sure it was going to end up being that.
"I think it was just like the more I wrote, the more it just made sense. And I just feel like it just keeps being much more connected to everything that's happening."
Where did it come in the charts?
The record debuted at Number 1 in the UK upon its release before dipping to Number 3 the following week. It was certified Silver by the BPI only three weeks after its release, meaning it had seen over 60,000 sales in the UK alone, and in July 2024 it was certified Gold with 100,000 sales. Cor!
When was Dua Lipa's third album out?
Dua's third album 'Radical Optimism' was released on 3rd May 2024.
What is the tracklist for Dua Lipa's album 'Radical Optimism'?
- 'End Of An Era'
- 'Houdini'
- 'Training Season'
- 'These Walls'
- 'Whatcha Doing'
- 'French Exit'
- 'Illusion'
- 'Falling Forever'
- 'Anything For Love'
- 'Maria'
- 'Happy For You'
What does Dua's third album sound like?
Now that the album is out you can hear it for yourself, however before the release, fans were keen to hear what the singer had said about her new album.
In an interview with New York Times magazine, the singer previously revealed that her new music will have a different sound, moving away from disco, however, not wanting to alienate her fans, it will still be in the pop genre.
In January 2023, Dua revealed a bit more about what we can expect from her new music. Appearing at the ESNS23 festival in The Netherlands, where Dua picked up The Excellence Award, she revealed her album was 'more mature' and had a 'lyrical theme'.
As reported by Pop Crave in January 2023, when describing her album, she also said: "It has a lyrical theme, more so than sonic. It’s still pop so I’m not getting away from that. I still want to dance and have fun, and do another crazy tour. It’s like a bit more mature in some ways."
"The album is different – it’s still pop but it’s different sonically, and there’s more of a lyrical theme. If I told you the title, everything would make sense – but I think we’ll just have to wait."
It was back in September 2022, speaking to Vogue Australia, that Dua said she felt more in control of her third album: "As I'm writing my new album, I feel even more liberated in a completely different way, and even more in control than I thought," she explained.
These comments are similar to what she told Vogue earlier in 2022, when she said: "I’ve definitely grown up. Overall, whether it’s sonically or in terms of the themes, I’ve matured. It’s like I’m coming into my power and not afraid to talk about things. It’s about understanding what I want."
At the time, the singer also opened up about performing music from 'Future Nostalgia', which included hits such as 'Don't Start Now', 'Break My Heart', and 'Levitating' saying: "For two years we were frozen. I didn’t get to really do these songs in the way that I’d envisioned them, and now that I’ve been able to put a show around it, it feels new to me."
She continued: "But there are also ways I feel I’m moving on a little bit. Especially now that I’ve started writing again and working on new music."
During her interview with Vogue Australia, Dua told the publication: "I get to see it take on a whole new lease on life. Once I’ve sung the first line of the first song, there’s a feeling of almost being invincible, of joining forces with the music… and just having fun."
In November 2022, Dua posted photos of herself in a studio with The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger calling it a 'sweeeet weeeek 🍒' . (sic)
When is Dua Lipa on tour?
Dua will be taking her album on tour, with two dates in the UK at Wembley Stadium - both of which sold out in minutes! She has now also announced one more UK date, taking place in Liverpool on 24th June 2025.
Now take a look at Dua Lipa's incredible career:
Early life and career beginnings
Dua was born in London on 22nd August 1995. As a child, she took cello lessons when at primary school, as well as doing singing lessons at Sylvia Young Theatre School. After moving to Kosovo with her family in 2008, she then came back to London when she was 15, later completing A-Levels in Politics, Psychology, English and Media Studies whilst also doing weekend classes at Sylvia Young and modelling for brands including ASOS and Topshop.
As a young singer, Dua shared videos of herself singing covers on SoundCloud and YouTube. In 2013, she appeared in an advert for The X Factor, singing the song 'Lost In Music' by Sister Sledge. Dua then went on to sign a record deal with Warner Records.
2015 - Dua begins releasing music
Dua released her debut single 'New Love' in August 2015, with Dua being one of the writers credited on the song. She has said that the song is about 'facing the fear of losing the only thing that matters to you'. Dua then released her second single 'Be The One', which included a video starring actor Ansel Elgort. The song reached Number 9 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified 2x Platinum.
2016 - First tour and 'Hotter Than Hell'
Dua embarked on her first UK and Europe tour in January 2016, commencing in Bristol and finishing in London. She released her third single 'Last Dance' in February, and her fourth song 'Hotter Than Hell' in May. 'Hotter Than Hell' reached Number 15 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum.
Then in August, Dua released the single 'Blow Your Mind (Mwah)'. In November 2016, Dua collaborated with Sean Paul on the song 'No Lie', with the single reaching Number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and going on to become certified 2x Platinum in the UK.
January 2017 - 'Scared To Be Lonely'
Dua teamed up with DJ Martin Garrix on the song 'Scared To Be Lonely', which was released in January 2017. The song reached Number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and Number 2 on the UK Dance Chart, with the song now certified 2x Platinum in the UK.
June 2017 - Dua releases her debut album
Dua released her debut album 'Dua Lipa' in June 2017. The self-titled album produced eight singles and includes collaborations with Miguel and Chris Martin and reached Number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. 'Dua Lipa' is certified 3x Platinum in the UK.
July 2017 - Dua releases 'New Rules'
'New Rules' was released in July 2017 and became a huge hit for Dua, becoming her first Number 1 Single on the UK Singles Chart and going on to be certified 5x Platinum in the UK. The song was also nominated for British Single of the Year at the 2018 BRIT Awards, but lost out to Rag 'n' Bone Man's track 'Human'. However, Dua did scoop the awards for British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act at the ceremony. Dua was nominated in five categories at the 2018 BRIT Awards – more than any other artist.
April 2018 - 'One Kiss' with Calvin Harris
Dua teamed up with Calvin Harris on the song 'One Kiss', which was released in April 2018. The song was a huge success and topped the UK Singles Chart, with it winning the award for British Single of the Year at the 2019 BRIT Awards. 'One Kiss' spent eight weeks at the top of the Singles Chart and is certified 5x Platinum in the UK.
September 2018 - 'Electricity' with Silk City
In September 2018, Dua teamed up with Silk City on the track 'Electricity'. The song reached Number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum. 'Electricity' won the Grammy award for Best Dance Recording at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
February 2019 - Grammy Awards
2019 was a huge year for Dua at the Grammys, as she won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2019 – in the same year, 'Electricity' also scooped the gong for Best Dance Recording. These were Dua's first Grammy Awards.
October 2019 - 'Don't Start Now'
In October 2019, Dua released the single 'Don't Start Now', the lead single from her second album 'Future Nostalgia.' The song reached Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified 4x Platinum. Prior to the release of the album, Dua went on to release the single 'Physical' in January 2020. It reached Number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified 2x Platinum.
March 2020 - Dua releases her second album 'Future Nostalgia'
Dua released her highly-anticipated second studio album 'Future Nostalgia' in March 2020. The album produced six singles, including 'Break My Heart', 'Levitating' and 'Hallucinate', which has since been certified Platinum. 'Future Nostalgia' was originally meant to be released on 3rd April 2020, but the release date was moved forward to 27th March after it was leaked. The album won the BRIT Award for British Album of the Year in 2021 and won the award for Best Pop Vocal album at the 2021 Grammy Awards. It was also nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys, but lost out to 'folklore' by Taylor Swift. 'Future Nostalgia' reached Number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and is certified 2x Platinum.
November 2020 - Dua collaborates with Miley Cyrus
Dua teamed up with Miley Cyrus on the track 'Prisoner'. The song reached Number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum.
August 2021 - Dua collaborates with Elton John
Dua and Elton John collaborated on the song 'Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)'. Released in August 2021, it's safe to say the track was a monumental hit! The song was produced during the Covid pandemic and reached Number 1 in 12 countries – including the UK. It is certified 3x Platinum in the UK. In June 2023, Elton performed the song during his epic Glastonbury set, but Dua unfortunately didn't join him.
February 2022 - Dua embarked on the 'Future Nostalgia Tour'
After initially being due to take place in 2020 and being cancelled as due to the pandemic, Dua embarked on the 'Future Nostalgia Tour' in February 2022, starting in Miami. The tour ended in Tirana, Albania in November 2022, having visited the UK in April and May. Dua performed 91 shows in total whilst on the incredible tour!
March 2022 - 'Sweetest Pie' with Megan Thee Stallion
Dua teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion on the song 'Sweetest Pie', with Megan previously expressing interest in working with the singer. Dua brought out Megan during her 'Future Nostalgia Tour' show in Denver, Colorado in March 2022. The track is certified Silver in the UK.
May 2023 - Dua releases 'Dance The Night' for the Barbie movie
Dua released 'Dance The Night' in May 2023, which features on the soundtrack for the Barbie film. The song was a huge hit, reaching Number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, and has been nominated in the categories of Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 2024 Grammy Awards. 'Dance The Night' is Dua's fourth UK Number 1 single and is certified Platinum.
2023 - Dua stars in the Barbie movie
Dua made her acting debut in the Barbie movie, playing the role of Mermaid Barbie. The highly anticipated film, which was directed by Greta Gerwig, was released to cinemas on 21st July 2023. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling play the lead characters.
November 2023 - Dua releases 'Houdini'
Dua released the single 'Houdini' in November 2023, in addition to dropping a music video for the track. The song features on her highly-anticipated third album 'Radical Optimism', which was released in 2024. 'Houdini' was certified Platinum by the BPI in July 2024, translating to 600,000 sales in the UK!
January 2024 - Dua Lipa announced to perform at The BRITs
Dua Lipa was announced as the first performer at the 2024 BRIT Awards, she was also nominated for three awards Artist of the Year, Pop Act and Song of the Year with Mastercard.
March 2024 - Dua Lipa wins Pop Act award at the 2024 BRIT Awards
Dua won the Pop Act award at the 2024 BRIT Awards, in addition to opening the show with a brilliant performance of her track 'Training Season'.
March 2024 - Dua Lipa announced as Glastonbury headliner
Dua Lipa was announced as the Friday night headliner at Glastonbury Festival in March 2024, meaning that she would be making her debut on the Pyramid Stage at the iconic festival in June 2024.
May 2024 - Dua releases her third studio album
Dua delighted fans in March 2024 when she revealed that her highly-anticipated third studio album is called 'Radical Optimism' and would released on 3rd May 2024. The album was released in May featuring her hits such as 'Houdini', 'Training Season' and 'Illusion'.
June 2024 - Dua Lipa headlines Glastonbury
Dua Lipa gave an amazing performance for her fans at Glastonbury Festival, where she headlined the Friday night.
July 2024 - Dua Lipa sells out two Wembley shows
Dua Lipa announced a huge show at Wembley, as an extension to her 'Radical Optimism' tour, performing on 20th June 2025. Tickets sold out within minutes, so a second Wembley date was added... Which also sold out super quickly!
She has now announced a date in Liverpool, also in June 2025.
You can hear songs by Dua Lipa on Downtown Radio.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about BRIT Award-winner Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa: Here's what her biggest songs REALLY mean 🎶
Dua Lipa and Mark Ronson totally re-wrote 'Dance The Night' after watching the scene from Barbie 💅