Dua Lipa surprised fans at her Amsterdam concert by performing a rendition of André Hazes’ iconic Dutch song, “Bloed, zweet en tranen,” showcasing her impressive pronunciation and dedication to local culture. The concert, part of her Radical Optimism tour, took place at the Ziggo Dome and was filled with memorable moments, including a stunning entrance where Lipa appeared as a sea goddess amidst projections of azure waves.

The pop star’s performance was a blend of her varied musical styles, from pure pop and ballads to songs featuring electronic piano chords reminiscent of 90s house music. Her ability to sing well while executing energetic choreographies drew comparisons to Beyoncé, highlighting her exceptional stamina and stage presence. Despite the success of her older hits from the album Future Nostalgia, the setlist unintentionally underscored the disparity in quality between her older work and her latest album, Radical Optimism.

Lipa demonstrated her connection to Amsterdam by sharing that she visited the city frequently as a child and has family in the Netherlands, including her grandparents, who were in the audience. During her tour, she has made a point of singing a song by a local artist in each city, such as Vanessa Paradis in Paris and Alphaville in Munich. However, the performance also had a controversial moment when the audience chanted an expletive-laden phrase traditionally associated with Hazes’ song, revealing a less subtle side of Dutch culture.

Ultimately, the concert highlighted Dua Lipa’s strengths as a performer, with her irresistible stage presence and ability to command the audience as the queen of her own disco night. While the newer material may not have resonated as strongly as her older hits, Lipa’s energy and talent shone through, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of her capabilities.