Everything We Know About Dua Lipa's New Album 'Radical Optimism' | GRAMMY.com (2025)

“Who wants moreeeeeee?” With that teasing caption, Dua Lipa sent her more than 88 million Instagram followers into a flurry of anticipation on March 12 as she seemingly primed for a major announcement with a slideshow of behind-the-scenes snaps.

Just one day later, the three-time GRAMMY winner announced her hotly anticipated third album, Radical Optimism, was officially on its way — complete with a May 3 release date, first look at the cover art, a complete tracklist and more. Lipa couldn’t contain her excitement about the project, punctuating her all-caps caption with a string of more than a dozen exclamation points.

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The album announcement arrives on the heels of a celebratory awards season for Lipa, who was nominated for two golden gramophones (including Song Of The Year) at the 2024 GRAMMYs for “Dance The Night” and opened the telecast with an electrifying medley of her singles “Houdini” and “Training Season.” Additionally, her disco-infused Barbie banger scored a nod for Best Original Song at the 2024 Golden Globes and three separate nominations at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

Below, GRAMMY.com rounded up everything there is to know about Dua Lipa’s upcoming era of Radical Optimism.

The Pop Star Is Nearly Upstaged In Her Wet And Wild Cover Art

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In her announcement, Lipa shared the cover art for her forthcoming studio set and the result is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Shot by Tyrone Lebon, the image depicts the English Albanian pop star out at sea, her dark hair slicked back as she bobs in the ocean wearing a shiny gold ensemble with matching jewelry against a sun-streaked sky.

However, it’s entirely possible that, upon first glance, the “Dance The Night” singer isn’t the first thing fans will notice when they see the artwork. That’s because she shares the frame with a fearsome co-star: a shark glides past her in the foreground, its fin slicing ominously through the water’s surface.

The Tracklist Announces The “End Of An Era”

Lipa’s fans, whom she notably refers to as “my loves,” may still be obsessed with her GRAMMY-winning sophomore album Future Nostalgia, but the pop star makes it clear on Radical Optimism’s tracklist that she’s ready to turn the page.

According to the album’s watery back cover, the 11-track studio set will kick off with opener “End of an Era” before segueing into previously released singles “Houdini” and “Training Season.” Other as-yet-unheard songs on the LP include titles like “French Exit,” “Illusion,” “Falling Forever” and closing number “Happy For You.” And unless Lipa still has a few surprises up her sleeve ahead of the album’s unveiling, it appears that, for the first time in her career, there won’t be a single collaboration or guest artist featured on the tracklist.

She Thinks Radical Optimism Is “Exactly What We Need in the World”

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Just one hour after dropping the cover art and tracklist, Lipa followed the reveal up with a video explaining the important meaning behind the album’s boldly cheery title. “I [can’t] wait for this to be yours,” she promised in the caption, adding a tidal wave emoji to punctuate her point.

“You know what the world needs is, like, the idea of being endlessly happy,” the singer says in the clip. It’s like an overpowering feeling, I want it.” Later, she hints at the emotional throughline that threads through her upcoming body of work, revealing, “Every song does have that kind of, like, ‘through the struggle you kind of make it something optimistic’...Radical optimism, that’s exactly what we need in the world.”

The Singer’s 2021 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech Inadvertently Sparked the Album’s Ethos

As it turns out, the emotional concept behind Radical Optimism was actually born during Lipa’s acceptance speech at the 2021 GRAMMYs, where she took home the trophy for Best Pop Vocal Album for Future Nostalgia.

“My last GRAMMY speech, I said something just in the midst of panic,” the pop sensation says in the aforementioned video, which flashes to her grinning on the stage outside Staples Center in L.A, clutching her third golden gramophone. “One thing I’ve come to realize is how much happiness is so important,” she said at the time.

“I felt really jaded at the end of my last album [2017’s Dua Lipa] where I felt like I only had to make sad music to feel like it mattered," she continued. "And I’m just so grateful and so honored because happiness is something that we all deserve, and that’s something that we all need in our lives.”

Three years later, Lipa is channeling that mindset into her new music in such a bold way that she felt Radical Optimism had to be the album’s title.

She’s Assembled A Solid Group Of Collaborators

The singer’s latest Instagram post also gave fans a peek at some of Lipa’s most trusted collaborators on Radical Optimism. “Tobias Jesso Jr. Kevin Parker. Caroline Ailin. We have Daniel L Harle,” the GRAMMY winner notes, whirling the camera around to introduce each of her producers and fellow lyricists by name before gleefully exclaiming, “We’re makin’ an album!”

Gesso Jr, Parker, Ailin and Harle are all listed alongside Lipa in the credits of lead single “Houdini” as well as follow-up “Training Season,” so it’s a safe bet that fans will likely see their names throughout the credits when they hear Radical Optimism in full.

Sacred arias and Christmas carols have been an essential component of Andrea Bocelli’s record-breaking career in the fields of pop and classical music. Now, the Italian tenor celebrates both on Christmas with "Andrea Bocelli and Friends: A GRAMMY Holiday Special," which aired Christmas Eve 2024 on the CBS Television Network and is now streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+.

Since he became an international star in 1996 with the haunting melody of "Con Te Partiró", Bocelli — now the best-selling singer in the history of classical music — has always demonstrated an obsessive attention to detail in putting together his albums, tours and visuals. This year’s Christmas special is no exception. Shot live in front of thousands of fans, the special finds Bocelli joined by his family and a gallery of singing heavyweights, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra and choir.

A charismatic MC, the tenor showcases his placid demeanor and sense of humor when introducing his guests and presenting the evening’s repertoire. The purity of his love for music — all kinds of music — shines through whenever he addresses the crowd.

Learn more: 5 Andrea Bocelli Songs To Know: From "Con Te Partiró" To "Perfect Symphony"

Here are five poignant moments from "Andrea Bocelli and Friends: A GRAMMY Holiday Special" that will be remembered as a timeless celebration of the Christmas spirit and stunning musicianship.

Nothing Beats Celebrating Christmas With Your Loved Ones

Bocelli kicked off the GRAMMY Holiday Special in style with an enchanting version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" together with his wife and manager, Veronica Berti, and their 12-year-old daughter Virginia. The tenor included this song in his 2009 album My Christmas, and the live performance reproduced the children’s choir of the original version. "Christmas is the most beautiful day of the year," said Bocelli, clearly overjoyed to be singing with his family.

Some Collaborations Feel Like An Answer To A Prayer

Bocelli enjoyed a huge hit early in his career when he recorded "The Prayer" (from the animated film Quest for Camelot) as a duet with Celine Dion. Released in 1999, the track was greeted with critical acclaim and was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

On this occasion, Bocelli invited the song’s co-writer, Canadian producer David Foster, to play the piano as he performed "The Prayer" with powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Hudson. "This is a dream come true," Hudson said before trading lines with the tenor in English and Italian. A vocal tour de force, the performance was greeted with a standing ovation.

Old Friendships Are Worth A Duet

When Bocelli released his sixteenth studio outing, Sì, in 2018, the collection reached the top of the album charts on both sides of the Atlantic on the strength of the singer’s duets with Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Bocelli’s son Mateo. One of the session’s most memorable moments was the now-classic collaboration with Josh Groban on "We Will Meet Once Again" — a track that Groban also co-wrote.

The Los Angeles-born singer was one of the television special’s guests, and the pair’s rendition of the song was stirring. Introducing Groban, Bocelli expressed his gratitude for their decades-old friendship.

Some Christmas Classics Are Truly Evergreen

Sofia Carson released her first album in 2015 — the soundtrack to the Disney film Descendents – but the actress and singer from Florida appears not only once, but twice on Bocelli’s recently released Duets (30th Anniversary) compilation. Together, they perform a lilting version of Henry Mancini’s "Blue Moon," as well as the Irving Berlin 1942 standard "White Christmas."

"Andrea, to sing with you feels like a thousand dancing snowflakes," said Carson. "To sing with you feels like soaring through a star-filled night. To sing with you is my Christmas wish come true — Merry Christmas, Andrea." True to this message, their live rendition of "White Christmas" was transcendent.

Guest Singers Are Wonderful — But The Real Star Of The Show Was Bocelli Himself

Bocelli elicited a roar of laughter when he asked the capacity audience if it was alright that he performed a song on his own. His choice was especially poignant — he delved back into the beginning of his career for a track off 1999’s Sacred Arias, the all-time best selling classical album by a solo artist. His reading of "Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful)," the Christmas carol attributed to 18th century English composer John Francis Wade, was simply exquisite — the best possible ending of an unforgettable recital.

By true miracle of nature, 66 year-old tenor Andrea Bocelli has never strayed away from his Italian roots, and yet he became an international star across genres and styles — equally comfortable performing full operas, sacred choral works and evergreen pop standards.

Born in 1958 in Tuscany, Bocelli had problems with his vision since childhood due to congenital glaucoma, and lost his sight permanently when he was only 12. He never allowed this setback to hamper his extraordinary singing career, nor his lifelong passion for horseback riding. He released his debut album in 1994, and made it big only two years later thanks to his wondrous vocal chords, his ability to perform in many languages, and a carefully curated repertoire of boleros, romantic balladry and operatic pop.

"I believe that there is a purpose conceived for each one of us. Every life is a story that reflects a specific plan," Bocelli previously told GRAMMY.com. "I personally tried to honor mine, making my voice available to share values, such as love, optimism and brotherhood."

A five-time GRAMMY nominee, Bocelli has released over 15 albums, and is also known for his ability to record unforgettable collaborations with artists from across the globe. The intensity of his vision illuminates every single track of the recently released Duets, a two-disc compilation celebrating 30 years in music.

On Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, CBS and Paramount+ will air "Christmas with Andrea Bocelli And Friends: A GRAMMY Holiday Special," a musical celebration that will find the singer performing a number of Christmas standards accompanied by Dua Lipa, Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban, Sofia Carson and other guests.

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As a preview of Bocelli’s spectacular songbook, here are five iconic tracks that illustrate the breadth of his artistry.

"Con Te Partiró" (1995)

If you’re looking for the one track that best sums up Bocelli’s magic, one listen to "Con Te Partiró" should be enough to give you a feel for the maestro’s Midas touch. An exquisite, sinuous melody that unfolds with the unhurried inevitability of a religious ritual, it sounds like a classic aria from a famous Italian opera. In reality, it was composed expressly for Bocelli during the 1990s by pianist Franceso Sartori and the late lyricist Lucio Quarantotto.

Arguably the pinnacle of the operatic pop genre, "Con Te Partiró" has a distinguished recording history. It was performed by the singer at the Sanremo Music Festival, appeared first as a single — topping the charts in France and Belgium — and was included on his second album, 1995’s Bocelli. The following year, he recorded it as a duet with English soprano Sarah Brightman under the title "Time to Say Goodbye." It became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Both versions bookended Romanza, the 1997 compilation that established Bocelli as an international sensation and major concert attraction. With sales of over 20 million copies — and a remastered, augmented 2016 edition — it remains his most commercially successful album to date.

"Vivo Per Lei" (1995)

With its opening piano chords, bombastic drum pattern and the soulful harmonizing of Bocelli and guest vocalist Giorgia, "Vivo Per Lei" sums up the rousing melodrama of vintage Italian pop. The other big smash off the Bocelli album, it was written by Gatto Panceri and Valerio Zelli, and found the singer recording multiple versions in a variety of languages, including the Spanish "Vivo Por Ella" with Marta Sánchez, used as the opening theme for a Mexican telenovela.

In 2024, Bocelli showed his keen understanding of contemporary trends by releasing a revamped version of the song — now favoring a supple rhythm section and digital sonics — with Colombian diva Karol G.

"Ave Maria" (1999)

Bocelli made such a splash on the pop charts, that it’s easy to forget what a tremendous impact he had on the commercially challenged field of classical music. His robust tenor is perfectly suited for traditional choral music — and his sixth studio outing, Sacred Arias, became the biggest-selling classical album of all time by a solo artist.

Accompanied by an Italian symphony orchestra, his no-frills version of Charles Gounod’s "Ave Maria" — a mashup of Bach’s sobering Prelude No. 1 in C major with an original melody by Gounod — is mournful to the core.

"Bésame Mucho" (2006)

In 2006, Bocelli celebrated Valentine’s Day in style with the release of the romantically themed Amore, his eleventh studio album. Recorded mostly in Los Angeles and leaning deeply on a plush, traditional Latin pop sound, the album benefited from the production skills of veteran Chilean helmer Humberto Gatica. It includes a duet with Christina Aguilera — the Armando Manzanero balada standard "Somos Novios" — and features by Stevie Wonder and Kenny G. A companion album, Amor, featured Spanish versions of most of its songs.

Bocelli’s reading of the 1932 bolero "Bésame Mucho" became one of his signature tunes. His reading evokes the breathy smoothness of early Julio Iglesias, anchored on a silky cushion of crystal-clear acoustic guitars and subtle accents of Latin percussion.

"Perfect Symphony" (2017)

Only 15 days after Ed Sheeran released a version of his 2017 tune "Perfect" as a duet with Beyoncé (the international hit "Perfect Duet"), he unveiled this lovely operatic cover blessed with the soaring vocalizing of Bocelli, now titled "Perfect Symphony."

Boasting tasteful orchestral coloring recorded at London’s Abbey Road Studios, this version begins with Sheeran’s solo verse, leaving Bocelli’s booming voice for the second half of the track. The passion and control with which Bocelli delivers his contribution — in Italian, of course — makes it perfectly clear that the maestro from Tuscany can make his prodigious voice a natural fit for any contemporary song, no matter its style, or cultural context.

The Recording Academy, in partnership with CBS and Ken Ehrlich Productions, has announced "CHRISTMAS WITH ANDREA BOCELLI AND FRIENDS: A GRAMMY HOLIDAY SPECIAL," a Christmas special celebrating the holidays with classical music legend and five-time GRAMMY nominee Andrea Bocelli. Airing Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+^, the special features GRAMMY winners Dua Lipa and Jennifer Hudson, five-time GRAMMY-nominated singer and songwriter Josh Groban, and singer and actress Sofia Carson. The special will also feature Andrea Bocelli's wife, Veronica Bocelli, and daughter, Virginia Bocelli.

The Christmas special bookends an incredible year celebrating Andrea Bocelli's 30th anniversary in music, which started with his performance at the 2024 Oscars alongside his son, Matteo Bocelli; included the release of his new albumDuets; and also included the concert film Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration. Duets debuted atNo. 1 on Billboard's Classical Albums chartandClassical Crossover Albums chart, marking Bocelli's 22nd and 16th leaders on the lists, respectively, extending his record forthe most No. 1sin each chart's history.

Boasting nearly 90 million records sold worldwide and one of the most recognizable voices in the entertainment industry, Andrea Bocelli has sold out arena-sized concert events and performed record-breaking livestreams. Bocelli has participated in many major global events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup and Global Citizen. He has earned five GRAMMY Award nominations and six Latin GRAMMY Award nominations, a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRITs, and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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"With this special, we are not only celebrating the holidays, but also one of music's greatest voices," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement. "We invite families everywhere to tune in and enjoy the festive performances that Andrea and his amazing guests have in store for us all."

"All my life, I've enjoyed entertaining people in person, on record, on film, and on television, and to have the opportunity of doing so on CBS, where I have had many memorable appearances over the years, and with the Recording Academy, which has been a supporter of classical music for decades, is quite exciting," Andrea Bocelli said in a statement. "I am really looking forward to sharing performances with both friends and family on my own Christmas special."

"I am thrilled to have executive produced a show that can be enjoyed by the entire family, full of Christmas music performed by Andrea, incredible guests, and his beloved wife and daughter," Ken Ehrlich, who executive-produced the show, said in a statement. "Thank you to CBS and the Recording Academy for agreeing to bring this show to life and air on a night when families are gathered to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year."

In association with Andrea Bocelli Management, "CHRISTMAS WITH ANDREA BOCELLI AND FRIENDS: A GRAMMY HOLIDAY SPECIAL" is produced by Ken Ehrlich Productions, with Ken Ehrlich, Veronica Bocelli, Harvey Mason jr., and Francesco Pasquero serving as executive producers; Renato Basile as supervising producer; Branden Chapman as producer; and Julia Knowles as director. Ken Ehrlich also writes.

^Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to steam live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

Just before Dua Lipa closes out another remarkable year, the three-time GRAMMY winner will light up screens in the highly anticipated primetime concert special, "An Evening With Dua Lipa."

Filmed at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London on Oct. 17, the special documents one of the most meaningful nights of the London-born pop star's career thus far. "I wanted to remember this show forever," Lipa wrote on Instagram upon announcing the special, "so we captured it to share with you too."

"An Evening With Dua Lipa" will air Sunday, Dec. 15 on CBS and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+. Below, here's everything you need to know about the special.

What Can You Expect From "An Evening With Dua Lipa"?

"An Evening With Dua Lipa" will offer an unforgettable night of live music, reflection and celebration. Lipa will perform hits from her latest album, Radical Optimism, alongside fan favorites from her chart-topping career. Backed by the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra, a 14-member choir and her seven-piece band — with dazzling gowns to boot — the performances are sure to leave viewers in awe.

The special also features personal reflections from Lipa, as she shares pivotal moments from her career journey — from her life-changing trip to New York City to her cherished holiday traditions in London. Other highlights include a surprise duet with Elton John on their hit song "Cold Heart," as well as the live debuts of Radical Optimism tracks like "Maria," "Anything for Love," "End of an Era" and "Dance the Night" from the Barbie soundtrack.

When & Where To Watch

Air Date & Time: Sunday, Dec. 15, 8:30-10:00 PM ET/8:00-9:30 PM PT

Channel: CBS Television Network

Streaming: Available live and on-demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, and on-demand the day after airing for Paramount+ Essential subscribers.

Why You Shouldn't Miss It

This dazzling special marks a milestone in Lipa's career, as she got her start in London thanks to Sylvia Young Theatre School (which is just across Hyde Park from Royal Albert Hall) and the city's underground music scene. The full-circle performance will showcase her evolution to becoming a global pop sensation, as well as her artistic vision.

"For the longest time, I've had this idea to reimagine my music with an orchestra," Lipa shared in a recent statement. "When I was making Radical Optimism, I was constantly thinking about the live element and how these songs would transform on stage." She described the experience as "perfect" for celebrating her music "in such a beautiful and intimate way."

Relive The Magic With Dua Lipa's Live Album

Fans who can't get enough of Dua Lipa's captivating Royal Albert Hall performance can relive the night over and over again. Along with the concert special, the singer released Dua Lipa Live From the Royal Albert Hall, a live album that features the entire 19-song set list, from "Houdini" to "Don't Start Now."

Lipa already has an entire world tour plotted for 2025, kicking off the Radical Optimism Tour in Melbourne, Australia on March 17, and making stops in Europe and North America through Oct. 16. But as her live album and "An Evening With Dua Lipa" suggest, her Royal Albert Hall performance will forever be one of her most cherished.

"The experience was entirely thrilling and equally rewarding," Lipa said in a statement. "It was a dream come true, and something I'll always take with me."