Watch Dua Lipa’s intimate performance on NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk’
The singer played unique versions of 'Training Session', 'Happy For You', 'These Walls' and 'Houdini'
by Max Pilley · NMEDua Lipa played stripped down versions of four tracks from ‘Radical Optimism’ for NPR’s Tiny Desk series this week – check out footage below.
On Friday (October 25), the singer gave intimate performances of ‘Training Season’, ‘These Walls’, ‘Happy For You’ and ‘Houdini’, with gentle piano, acoustic guitar and glockenspiel backing. At times, Lips picked up the pace, enhanced by electric guitar and backing vocalists, but it was the closeness of the setting that set the session apart.
“I’ve always wanted to come down and be by the desk,” she said. “We did an at-home Tiny Desk in 2020, so this feels really special. We have a lot to live up to so hopefully we can top that one up.”
See the full performance here:
Lipa commented that she had “never” played an acoustic version of ‘Happy For You’ in particular. “I’ve loved watching Tiny Desks and I love how artists reimagine their music and it’s always really inspiring,” she added, before introducing the final song, ‘Houdini’.
In other Lipa news, her one-off show at London’s Royal Albert Hall will be broadcast on ITV later this year. The concert saw a special appearance by Elton John, and saw the star perform alongside the 43-piece Heritage Orchestra, a 14-strong choir and seven-piece band. Check out more details of the performance, and everything Lipa played, here.
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That show marked her first UK gig since her acclaimed Glastonbury 2024 headline set back in June. In a four-star review of that show – which featured a guest appearance from Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker –NME described the performance as a “visual spectacle”.
It added: “[…] The night not only becomes a glittering celebration of pop in its highest form but also serves as a reminder that even the most outlandish aspirations can become a reality.”
Lipa will be playing huge UK and Ireland stadium shows next summer. Visit here for any remaining tickets.
Lipa also joined forces with Cher for a rendition of ‘Believe’ at the latter’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony in Cleveland last weekend (October 19).