Picture this: a pop superstar turning a childhood fantasy into reality right on stage. That's the exhilarating story of Dua Lipa, who recently shared how collaborating with Gwen Stefani felt like the ultimate dream come true. But here's where it gets even more intriguing – this isn't just about music; it's about personal growth, love, and what's next for the chart-topping artist. Stick around, because we're diving into the details that make this tale so captivating.
During a lively chat with Rolling Stone at Mistr's National PrEP Day event in West Hollywood's Abbey on Thursday evening, Dua Lipa was still buzzing from her surprise performance the night before in Los Angeles. She had thrilled her fans by bringing out Gwen Stefani, the iconic frontwoman of No Doubt, for a heartfelt duet of the classic hit 'Don’t Speak.' It was a moment that perfectly captured the magic of unexpected collaborations in the music world.
'I’ve adored Gwen ever since I was a kid,' Lipa confided to the outlet. 'Her inspiration has been huge for me – from her powerful music to her unyielding strength. Her voice is incredible, and everything she represents has always resonated with me. Performing with her was like checking off a major item from my wish list as a young fan.'
Their paths first crossed back in 2020, right after Lipa's album Future Nostalgia dropped. She reached out to Stefani to feature on a remix of her upbeat track 'Physical' for the Club Future Nostalgia project. Interestingly, even though they worked together remotely during the pandemic, they hadn't actually met in person until that electrifying stage moment. 'Going from admiring her in videos, on TV, and at events to standing beside her and belting out a song that shaped my teenage years – it was truly magical,' Lipa reflected.
And this is the part most people miss: Lipa also expressed her enthusiasm for Stefani and No Doubt's upcoming residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. She playfully worried about spoiling the surprise, as news had already leaked that night. 'I swear, I didn't spill the beans! Gwen might give me a hard time,' she joked with a laugh. 'But I'm genuinely pumped. I hope I can make it down to catch the show.'
For those new to the scene, the Sphere is this mind-blowing venue in Vegas – think a colossal dome with cutting-edge technology that creates immersive experiences. Lipa, who's visited a couple of times, described it as 'utterly surreal, like stepping into another dimension. The sheer scale means artists have to be clever about how they fill that massive space.' It's a great example of how modern venues are pushing the boundaries of live performances, making concerts feel like interactive adventures.
Shifting gears, Lipa reminisced about her 2024 release, Radical Optimism, which she proudly calls her 'absolute favorite album yet.' The record's core theme revolves around pushing through tough times with unwavering passion and positivity – a message that's struck a chord with listeners worldwide. Now, in a fresh phase of her life, Lipa feels that energy coming full circle. 'This tour has brought back so much love, joy, and celebration that I've poured into my work, and I'm incredibly thankful,' she shared. 'If I hadn't poured my heart into Radical Optimism and visualized these wonderful changes, who knows? I might not have crossed paths with Callum Turner.'
Speaking of her fiancé, Callum Turner, Lipa hinted that her newfound romance is subtly shaping her sound. 'Romance is definitely coloring the vibes in my music,' she explained. 'What I'm creating now is playful and lighthearted. I'm still exploring, but it's all about enjoying the process.' This raises an interesting point: can love truly inspire creativity, or is it just a happy coincidence? Some fans might argue it's all about the artist's mindset, while others see it as a deeper, almost mystical connection. What do you think – does personal happiness fuel better art, or is that just a romantic notion?
Finally, Lipa dropped a teaser about teaming up again with producer Mark Ronson for fresh tracks. 'I absolutely love collaborating with Mark; he's such an inspiration, and we click so well,' she said, without revealing more about the upcoming era. 'I'm super excited for what's brewing.'
There you have it – a peek into Dua Lipa's world of dreams fulfilled and new horizons on the horizon. But let's stir the pot a bit: Is manifesting love through music a powerful tool, or does it sound a tad too 'woo-woo' for the skeptics? Do you believe in the idea of attracting positivity into your life, or is success more about hard work and timing? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own stories of chasing dreams!
