When Dua Lipa said her Radical Optimism Tour would be full of big energy, she wasn’t kidding. The pop superstar officially kicked off the U.S. leg of her world tour at Chicago’s United Center on September 5—and fans walked away with a moment they’ll be bragging about forever.
A Legendary Link-Up in the Windy City
Midway through her 22-song set, Dua had the packed arena on its feet when she brought out none other than Chaka Khan. Rocking a black, feathered-sleeve coat that screamed diva energy, Dua and the “Queen of Funk” teamed up for a show-stopping performance of Khan’s timeless hit “Ain’t Nobody” (1983). The crowd went absolutely wild, phones in the air to capture every second of the surprise collab.
Setting the Tone for the Tour
This wasn’t just a one-off stunt. Dua’s been keeping her tour fresh by pulling in music legends along the way. Earlier this year, she shared the stage with Neil Finn from Crowded House in New Zealand and even had Jamiroquai pop up during her London shows. By the time she touched down in Chicago, fans knew to expect the unexpected.
From Europe to North America
After a short break in August, Dua hit North America ready to light up arenas. She warmed up the crowd with two back-to-back shows in Toronto before bringing the party stateside. With Radical Optimism tracks making up much of her setlist, plus fan-favorites like “Levitating,” Dua proved she’s not just touring—she’s delivering an experience.
Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour is already shaping up to be one of the biggest pop tours of 2025. If her Chicago opener is any indication, fans in upcoming cities better buckle up—because you never know which legend might step on stage next.
