Dua Lipa Lights Up ACL Music Festival: From Unknown to Superstar

London-born superstar Dua Lipa delivered a stunning performance at the American Express stage last Saturday during the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Her set, reminiscent of a Las Vegas residency, featured powerful vocals and impressive choreography.

While Dua Lipa is now globally recognized, she was once an unknown artist performing at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin in 2016. During her set at ACL Fest, she reflected on her early performances, recalling her single daytime set at the Hype Hotel.

From Fan to Superstar: Dua Lipa's Journey

In a 2016 interview with “Ones To Watch,” Dua Lipa discussed her awe at Austin's bustling festival scene. Eight years ago, she was just another fan, thrilled to see rapper Future headline the same stage she performed on earlier that day.

“My next single coming out is called 'Hotter Than Hell,'" Lipa said. “It was one of the first songs I’ve written where things started making sense and we started building everything against that song. I’ve been in the studio for a long time now working on ('Dua Lipa'), so it's fun to start getting music out.”

Fame quickly followed her self-titled debut album "Dua Lipa" (2017). A year after its release, the album peaked at number three on the UK charts. The next year, Lipa won two Brit Awards for “British Female Solo Artist” and “British Breakthrough Act.” She gained international recognition with her 2018 collaboration with Calvin Harris on “One Kiss.”

“Never give up on what you believe in. I know it sounds cliche, but it is the truth,” Lipa said back in 2016. “If there’s something you believe in… you consistently have to keep pushing for it. At the end of the day, this project is mine. I want it to be out there for everyone to hear and come 100% from me. It’s a lot about sticking to my guns.”

Dua Lipa: A Badass from Hell

From a modest start, Dua Lipa has become a show-stopping performer on the biggest stages. Her resilience and perseverance have led her from being a little-known artist to a superstar.

“Dua lipa is a badass bitch from hell who nobody (expletive) with.”

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