Everything you need to know about BRIT Award-winner Dua Lipa
She was in the Barbie film!
Dua Lipa is one of the biggest British stars on the planet, thanks to her incredible songs. She's had songs like 'Physical', 'Break My Heart' and her collaborations with Calvin Harris 'One Kiss' and 'Potion', and 'Cold Heart (Pnau remix)' with Elton John.
After starring in the Barbie movie, which featured her song 'Dance The Night', Dua released a single called 'Houdini' and won the British Pop Act award at the 2024 BRIT Awards. While we look forward to her third album 'Radical Optimism', which features her latest single 'Illusion', and her performances at Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall, let's take a look at how Dua Lipa rose to fame from a young singer at a theatre school to a BRIT Award winner.
Where is Dua Lipa from?
Dua Lipa's parents are Albanian, from Kosovo, however they moved to London in the 1990s, where Dua was born in 1995. Whilst in London, Dua attended Sylvia Young Theatre School part-time until she was 13-years-old. The family then moved back to Kosovo in 2006, when Dua's dad was offered a job there.
During her time in Kosovo, Dua Lipa was filmed performing at school. Looking very confident holding a microphone, Dua sings along to the backing track of Alicia Keys' 2007 single 'No One', and receives a round of applause.
After just a couple of years in Kosovo, Dua then returned to London where she lived with friends and worked in restaurants whilst writing songs and pursuing a career in music, as well as posting covers of her favourite songs on YouTube, mostly by P!nk and Nelly Furtado.
Although Dua only lived in Kosovo for around two years, she describes it as her "home", as she told us in 2019: "Touring, performing in Kovoso, in my home town. That's always a massive 'pinch me' moment, because it's something I've always wanted to do since I was young."
Dua received Albanian citizenship in November 2022, sharing the moment she was granted the papers by President Bajram Begaj, Dua wrote in a now deleted Instagram post: 'Thank you President Bajram Begaj and Mayor @erionveliaj for this honour ~ got my Albanian citizenship!!'
She added: 'faleminderit, po ndihem shume krenare 🇦🇱❤️👐🏼', which translates roughly to 'thank you, I am feeling very proud'.
How old is Dua Lipa?
Dua Lipa turned 28-years-old on 22nd August 2023. She took to Instagram to thank her fans for their birthday wishes writing: 'raving into my 28th year 👾 '. (sic) Sadly she's now deleted her post.
What was Dua Lipa's breakthrough song?
Dua Lipa's breakthrough hit was 'New Rules', although she released a number of tracks before which you might recognise. Dua's debut song 'Be the One' reached the Top 10 on release in 2015, and her song 'Hotter Than Hell' reached Number 15 a year later.
However, Dua had to wait until 2017 to see major success with her summer anthem 'New Rules' which reached Number 1 in many countries including the UK, Ireland and The Netherlands.
Dua performed the track at the BRIT Awards in 2018 - the same year that she won BRITs for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist.
How many BRIT Awards has Dua Lipa won?
Dua Lipa has won seven BRIT Awards and been nominated for 16 others. In 2018, Dua Lipa won British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist, then in 2019 she picked up the BRIT Award for British Single of the Year for 'One Kiss', her collaboration with Calvin Harris.
She then went onto win British Female Solo Artist and British Album of the Year for 'Future Nostalgia' at The BRITs 2021 where she also gave an incredible performance. Dua picked up the award for Best Pop/R&B Act at The BRITs 2022. She was nominated for the same award in 2023, losing out to Harry Styles.
At the 2024 awards, Dua won the British Pop Act award, in addition to opening the show with a spectacular performance of her track 'Training Season'.
Dua Lipa's songs
Read up on our guide to Dua Lipa's songs right here.
'Future Nostalgia'
Dua opened up about putting out her album 'Future Nostalgia', which was released on 27th March 2020, just as the first lockdown in the UK started. Speaking to Australia's The Sunday Project, Dua said: "I was really scared to put music out during this time to be really honest," going on to explain that the live streams she did have "been nice to connect with my fans and listeners in a different way."
The singer also explained how she's had to conquer some of her fears while being in lockdown explaining: "Things that actually scare me - which is like going on livestream and talking straight to a camera and being really open and speaking about my experiences and talking about the songs."
The album even picked up the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2021 ceremony! After an iconic performance at the 2021 Grammys of her hit track 'Levitating'.
What is Dua Lipa's third album called?
Dua's third album is called 'Radical Optimism', and is due to be released on 3rd May 2024. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a release date for the album, with Dua having sparked some excitement when she cleared her Instagram account back in October 2023.
Dua later returned to Instagram by posting a short video which showed off her new red hair, also now deleted. Many fans thought it could be for an album announcement, however it turns out it was for a single called 'Houdini'.
Speaking about her upcoming album, Dua told us: "I'm so, so excited, I've just been waiting for so long to finally start releasing music. I've been in the studio for ages and especially like last year on tour, every time between legs I went to the studio to finish it. So now finally it's like, right, it's time, it’s a fresh start, new music.
"It definitely has, like quite a clear sonic departure from the last record and it has kind of a darker, more psychedelic influence throughout."
Is Dua Lipa going on tour?
Dua Lipa has now finished the UK leg of her world tour, however she has now announced a one-off date at the Royal Albert Hall in London in October 2024. The singer will be performing many of her new songs from her upcoming album 'Radical Optimism'.
Glastonbury 2024
Dua is set to perform at Glastonbury in June 2024 as she headlines the Pyramid Stage on Friday night of the iconic festival. Announcing the news on her Instagram page, Dua wrote: '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 🌊.' (sic)
Which other artists has Dua Lipa worked with?
In December 2018, Dua Lipa revealed that she had in fact recorded a collaboration with Ariana Grande - something many fans suspected after Dua posted a photo of the pair on Instagram (now deleted) in January 2018.
Despite sounding very exciting, the pop star told US TV show Watch What Happens Live that it was unlikely to be released as the timing wasn’t "quite right" for either of them.
In 2021, Dua teamed up with her idol Elton John on 'Cold Heart', remixed by Australian electronic trio Pnau, which mashes up previous Elton hits 'Sacrifice' (a 1990 Number 1), 'Kiss the Bride', 'Where’s the Shoorah' and 'Rocket Man'.
In March 2022, Dua and American rapper Megan Thee Stallion released a collab called 'Sweetest Pie', the music video featured both artists in a fantasy world, a concept created by Megan.
Dua Lipa's acting roles
Dua appeared in the spy thriller Argylle, starring alongside Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell and Bryce Dallas Howard. Dua took to Instagram, in a now deleted post, to share the first look at her in the film saying: 'First look!! Coming soon… #Argylle @marv_films'. The film is directed by Matthew Vaughn, who has also directed Kingsman.
The film was released in UK cinemas in February 2024.
Speaking to Schitt’s Creek creator and star Dan Levy on an episode of a podcast Dua Lipa: At Your Service, she revealed: "I had a really great time, and it was really exciting, but I think for me it’s like baby steps."
She continued: "I think that’s also just, like, the best way to discover yourself as well. Rather than throwing yourself in the deep end with something that maybe you can’t completely tackle head on.
"Like, I think my biggest fear would be taking on a really big role and being, like, f---. Now I have to, like, be an actor and feel these emotions and feelings on camera, when I haven’t, like, you know, brought myself up to that point yet. But definitely really exciting."
Dua also appeared in the Barbie movie where she plays Mermaid Barbie, as well as contributing to 'Barbie The Album' with 'Dance The Night' - which is now certified Silver in the UK.
Who is Dua Lipa's dad?
Dua Lipa's dad is a marketing manager and the lead vocalist of a Kosovan rock band! His Instagram bio describes him as 'Founder/CEO of REPUBLIKA Communications Agency, Sunny Hill Festival Director and Sunny Hill Foundation President'.
Dukagjin became an Internet star after Dua took him to The BRITs 2019, and host Jack Whitehall told the pop star on camera: "You know how much of a dad crush I have. He is the coolest dad.
“Look at Dukagjin!” he added: “Can we get a camera on this guy? The silver fox over here, the best looking dad in the music industry. I want to do a dad swap, can you take mine?”
However, Dua declined the offer. 😂
On Father's Day 2020, Dua celebrated her dad by posting four photos of the pair together saying: 'Happy Fathers Day to my BFF' (sic). Aww.
Dua Lipa X Yves Saint Laurent
Dua is a Fragrance Ambassador for YSL Beauté's and shared a short video to promote the brand saying: 'LIBRE... coming soon'. The video shows the singer dressed in black walking across a bridge, wearing a long black glove on her left hand.
Who is Dua Lipa's boyfriend?
Dua is reported to be dating actor Callum Turner, after the pair had been spotted out together after the Golden Globes and were pictured kissing after enjoying dinner in LA. Dua also attended the premiere for Callum's upcoming series Masters of the Air.
She previously dated 42-year-old French filmmaker Romain Gavras. The pair were spotted together at a BAFTA afterparty in February 2023, and they made their red carpet debut together at the Cannes Film Festival three months later in May.
The pair were reported to have split in December 2023.
She previously dated Gigi and Bella Hadid's brother, Anwar. Reports of a split emerged just before Christmas in 2021, where an insider ‘confirmed’ the split to celebrity gossip Deux Moi.
The pair were not seen together over the festive period, with Dua opting to spend Christmas on holiday with her girlfriends. Split rumours also circulated when fans were worried the couple hadn't posted a photo together for months, something they labelled ‘odd'.
The pair were together for almost three years, with Dua telling Rolling Stone magazine: "I'm very comfortable in the relationship, more so than any others."
Dua Lipa addressed her relationship status in an interview with Vogue, where she told them: "The next chapter of my life is about truly being good with being alone."
She also spoke about being single on her podcast in 2022, saying: "For me, this is the first year I’ve not been in a relationship for a very long time. It’ve been really great to just be alone and only think about myself and kind of be quite selfish."
As part of her podcast and newsletter Service95, Dua took herself out on a date at New York’s Cosme. She told Vogue about the experience saying: "Some people on the internet were like, ‘Oh, Dua went out for dinner on her own, blah blah, I do this all the time.’ And I think that’s amazing if you do it all the time. You must be so confident. But it was a big step for me. I was nervous - like, what am I gonna do? I don’t want to be on my phone."
What food does Dua Lipa hate?
Not afraid to try unusual food, Dua revealed in a video with Vogue France, that she will try all sorts, such as brain, but she doesn't like celery, because it's too strong.
In the video shared in August 2023, the singer can be seen sampling French food in a three-Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Hélène Darroze.
Does Dua Lipa have any pets?
She sure does! Dua adopted a puppy in August 2020 with her then-boyfriend Anwar.
She said: “There is nothing like it. I’m obsessed. I spend half of my day when I’m at home kissing and hugging him. He’s also a very needy dog so I like to hold him at all times. He is perfect.”
How much is Dua Lipa worth?
Dua featured in heat's Rich List in November 2021 with an estimated net worth of £43.5 million. In the 2022 edition, she'd shot up to an estimated £69.1 million
Dua Lipa's fashion
Dua Lipa isn't just a talented singer, she's also a fashion icon having graced runways in the fashion circuits.
In January 2023, it was announced that Dua would be a co-chair of one of the biggest nights in the fashion industry - the Met Gala - along with actresses Penélope Cruz and Michaela Coel, tennis champion Roger Federer and Anna Wintour.
Dua Lipa's book club
Yes, you read that right, Dua Lipa has a book club! The club is called Service95 Book Club and the first book chosen by the singer was Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.
Dua told her fans on her website: 'After months of planning, I am so proud to announce the Service95 Book Club, launching later this month! Words cannot express how thrilled I am – sharing the joy of reading is something I feel really passionately about, so this is a dream come true.'
She continued: 'And so I’m inviting you all to join – all you need to do is continue to follow along on our socials and at Service95. Each month we’ll announce our chosen book accompanied by author Q&As, discussion guides and more incredible content to help you get the most out of these wonderful reads.'
Now take a look at Dua Lipa's incredible career so far:
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' and 'Levitating'. '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')/entertainment/music/taylor-swift-folklore-album/){:target=_blank} 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 will feature on her upcoming, highly-anticipated third album, which is rumoured for release in 2024.
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 announces release date for 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 will be released on 3rd May 2024. The album features 2024 single 'Illusion'.
March 2024 - Dua Lipa announced as Glastonbury headliner
Dua Lipa has been announced as the Friday night headliner at Glastonbury Festival, as she is set to make her debut on the Pyramid Stage at the iconic festival in June 2024.
You can hear songs by Dua Lipa on Hits Radio.
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