Dua Lipa: From SXSW Nobody to ACL Queen—Talk About a Glow Up!

Last Saturday, London-born superstar Dua Lipa graced the American Express stage at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, serving hot vocals and Vegas-level choreography. But let's rewind to 2016, when she was just another "foreign face" in the SXSW crowd.

Just another immigrant kid dreaming big in the 2016 SXSW crowd

Back in the day, Dua was interviewed for “Ones To Watch,” and shared her culture shock at Austin’s bustling festival scene. She was just a fan girl, swooning over rapper Future headlining the same stage she performed on earlier. Bless!

The “Levitating” queen was on the brink of releasing her debut self-titled album “Dua Lipa” (2017) through Warner Bros. Records. Remember when she gushed about her new music?

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“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? She practically invented it with her self-titled debut album "Dua Lipa" (2017)

A year later, her album peaked at number three on the UK charts. Then, she snatched five Brit Awards nominations and won “British Female Solo Artist” and “British Breakthrough Act.” Oh, and remember her iconic collab with Calvin Harris on “One Kiss” in 2018? We stan a legend!

“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.”

A badass immigrant queen who nobody f*cks with

Now, standing on the biggest stage at Austin’s largest festival, our woke queen has come a long way. But even back then, she knew her worth: “Dua Lipa is a badass bitch from hell who nobody (expletive) with.” Slay, queen! 🔥👑