Pop superstar Dua Lipa belts out AC/DC’s Highway to Hell as she launches Australian tour in Melbourne

Pop superstar Dua Lipa has launched her Australian ‘Radical Optimism’ tour in Melbourne by wowing Rod Laver Arena with a cover of a 1979 Aussie rock anthem.

Pop superstar Dua Lipa debuted her version of an Australian rock anthem, AC/DC’s Highway To Hell, at her first Melbourne show on Monday night.

Lipa performed the 1979 anthem wearing a long white scarf borrowed from a fan in the crowd.

The Albanian-British singer forewarned fans of her rock leanings before the tour landed in Australia this week.

“We’re going a bit more rock and roll, and want things to feel a little more tough,” she told Australian Vogue.

At Rod Laver Arena on Monday night, Lipa said: “A big part of the inspiration for (her latest album) Radical Optimism is inspired by being on tour and playing live, playing with my band, and loving how that felt. I want to keep doing lots more of that.”

Soon after, eight songs into her set list, Lipa rocked out with her AC/DC cover.

“I love you guys so much, it’s so lovely to be back in Melbourne,” she said later. “It feels full circle to be back here in Australia with a brand new show. Thank you so much for all the love and support.”

Lipa is playing five shows in Melbourne.

Billie Eilish had four dates at Melbourne Park earlier this month; Gracie Abrams will also perform four shows in May, Katy Perry has booked four concerts in June. Kylie Minogue did three gigs last month.

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@Dua Lipa x @AC/DC. Two icons. One sexy AF cover. #dualipamelbourne

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Lipa said her latest tour is about positive vibes and upbeat energy.

“Having been to so many concerts in my life, I think so much about how to make it the most fun as possible for everyone in the audience, and how I can build a show that takes you on a journey,” she said.

But Lipa said the joy was a two-way street.

She explained: “I have so many videos on my phone of the voices from the crowd, because I just love hearing everyone else’s energy as well, because that’s what gives me so much strength and power when I’m on stage.”

Her show is a grab bag of hits from her three albums, and include One Kiss, Levitating, Hallucinate, Dance The Night, Don’t Start Now, and the Elton John collaboration, Cold Heart.

The concert also features four costume changes. “I think ‘radical optimism’ means dressing the hardships in something sparkly,” Lipa said, adding: “I love working with new designers.”

Originally published as Pop superstar Dua Lipa belts out AC/DC’s Highway to Hell as she launches Australian tour in Melbourne