Dua Lipa makes no secret of her adoration for No Doubt. Now the singer has fulfilled a dream.
“This incredible woman is here in Los Angeles tonight, you lucky damn people!” With these words, Dua Lipa announced her “personal hero” Gwen Stefani on Wednesday (October 8th) at her concert at the KIA Forum in Los Angeles.
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Together they sang “Don’t Speak”, the big hit from Stefani’s band No Doubt. Dua Lipa always plays a local favorite as part of her set list during the Radical Optimism tour. In the City of Angels it was now one of the song crown jewels of the 90s.
Dua Lipa and Gwen Stefani live in Los Angeles
“Tonight in Los Angeles I want to explore one of my personal heroes. One of my favorite artists, someone I’ve listened to my whole life,” the singer said on stage.
Dua Lipa continued: “She influenced my music, influenced my style. Someone I love as a performer and someone who constantly redefines herself and her music. I just think that’s great. (…) You now get the one and only, the unique Gwen Stefani!”
A hug later, the two musicians got into “Don’t Speak”. Stefani sang the first verse and both intoned the chorus in a duet.
The No Doubt frontwoman is not the first celebrity guest during Dua Lipa’s current world tour. Past performances have included Nile Rodgers for “Le Freak” in New York City, Jamiroquai with “Virtual Insanity” in London and Neil Finn playing with the singer “Don’t Dream It’s Over” in Auckland.
Even without their presence, cover versions from other revered musicians could be heard. Dua Lipa launched a piece by Ariana Grande in Miami, honored Aerosmith in Boston and Sinéad O’Connor in Dublin.
After a few more concerts in North America in October, the 30-year-old will be heading to South America in November with gigs in Chile and Brazil, among others. In December it will be Mexico’s turn. Dua Lipa was last seen in Germany in May and June.