Dua Lipa Pays Emotional Tribute to Sinéad O’Connor in Dublin With Heartfelt Performance
On June 27, Dua Lipa closed out her ‘Radical Optimism’ tour emotionally and powerfully in Dublin at the historic Aviva Stadium. Adding to the unforgettable nature of the night was one of the highest forms of tribute to a late Irish great of music, Sinéad O’Connor. In the set, Lipa performed a very touching rendition of Nothing Compares 2 U, a song that has become synonymous with O’Connor’s legacy. The emotional cover by Lipa struck well with the fans due to the location and respect for the artists. Above all else, Lipa’s homage felt honest and dignified and struck a chord with the Irish people who are still mourning one of their greatest voices.
Honoring a Timeless Voice With Meaning
Before launching into the song realization, Dua Lipa communicated with the crowd authentically to honor the impact and cultural legacy of the incredible artist. "Tonight, I am honoring and performing a song by a late Irish legend," she told the crowd. The song, Nothing Compares 2 U was written by Prince in 1985 for his band The Family. When O'Connor had put down her massively influential version in 1990, Nothing Compares 2 U was already a major hit. Lipa prepped for what could have been an emotional moment, which felt generational in common, by inviting the crowd to sing it with her. For once, a gentler, less energized side of the pop star emerged—far from her usual excessive energy on stage—a side that would understand completely how much O'Connor had seeped into the nostalgia of music and identity.
The Tour’s Personal and Creative Flourish
Throughout the ‘Radical Optimism’ tour, Dua Lipa has been unafraid to experiment with covers and guest appearances, and this tribute was no exception. In comparison to her energetic collaborations—like performing Virtual Insanity alongside Jamiroquai frontman Kay Jay in London—this performance was stripped back and raw. Nonetheless, it revealed Lipa’s musical range and her respect for those who paved the way. In contrast to the sleek production of most modern pop tours, this simple act of remembrance grounded the concert in emotion. Still, it felt right at home among the more vibrant moments of the tour, giving audiences both spectacle and soul.
@warnermusicirl Dua Lipa covers ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ by Sinéad O'Connor in Dublin ?? #dualipa #sineadoconnor #concert #fyp #cover #music ♬ original sound - Warner Music Ireland
An Ending That Felt Like a Beginning
The tribute in Dublin truly stands as one of the more significant moments as the European leg of the tour drew to a close. Whatever the bright spirit behind 'Radical Optimism' might be, the message was that you cannot be optimistic without acknowledging the past. The huge response from the crowd showed how much the legacy of O'Connor still lives on and how artists like Lipa are keeping the spirit of artists alive. After all, music is more than just a one-way street of performing; it is about connection, history, and heart. And for one night in Dublin, that message was hammered home.
