Pop Star Pays Tribute to Australian Rock Legends with Electrifying Performance of “Highway to Hell”
Dua Lipa kicked off her highly anticipated Radical Optimism Tour in Melbourne on March 17, delivering a night to remember at the Rod Laver Arena. In a surprise tribute to Australian music, the global pop sensation performed a soulful rendition of AC/DC’s iconic 1979 hit Highway to Hell, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
“I had a fun crazy idea. I thought, ‘Why not do a new song every night from a local artist from every place we’re in?’” Lipa, 29, told the packed arena. “Obviously, Australia has an abundance of amazing musicians, so we thought we’d go really big from the very beginning. If you know it, sing it.”
A Rock-Infused Surprise
Dressed in a striking black lace ensemble with bold red shorts and a furry scarf, Lipa commanded the stage as she transformed the hard-hitting rock anthem into a soulful, high-energy performance. Fan videos captured the audience passionately singing along, fully embracing Lipa’s unexpected dive into classic rock.
Social media exploded with praise for her vocal range and rock-star presence. “Her voice is perfect for rock. 😍,” one fan tweeted, while another exclaimed, “Rock album next please 🙏 @DUALIPA.” Many were stunned by her ability to adapt her sound, with one YouTube commenter writing, “She surprised me with how powerful a rock tone her voice has. She could genuinely make a career out of it.”
Even longtime AC/DC fans were impressed. “She did a great job at keeping AC/DC going,” one wrote. “Who knows, she might have even [brought] on some new fans to their incredible music. That is a good thing in my book.”
A Tour Rooted in Musical Evolution
Lipa’s rock-infused performance aligns seamlessly with the inspiration behind Radical Optimism, her latest album, which draws from psychedelic rock, trip-hop, and Britpop influences. “A couple years ago, a friend introduced me to the term radical optimism,” she previously shared. “It struck me – the idea of going through chaos gracefully and feeling like you can weather any storm.”
Her electrifying take on Highway to Hell was a testament to that very spirit—taking a bold risk and making it her own.
What’s Next on the Radical Optimism Tour?
Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour continues across Australia and New Zealand through March and April before heading to Europe in May and June. She’ll then take her show to the U.S. in September and October, keeping fans eager to see which local artists she will honor in each city.
As the tour unfolds, one question remains: Who will Dua Lipa cover next? Fans will have to wait and see—but if Melbourne’s Highway to Hell moment is any indication, it will be nothing short of spectacular.
