Dua Lipa has returned with “Houdini” – the highly anticipated track

Today, global superstar Dua Lipa has returned with “Houdini” – the highly anticipated track introducing the beginning of a new chapter following her 2020 smash Future Nostalgia. The track is out today alongside its official music video, which you can watch here. 

 

"Houdini" kickstarts the narrative thread that weaves its way through Dua’s upcoming project. Dua notes that “Houdini,” “embodies that 4 a.m. feeling when the night is coming to a close and you're a bit sweaty, but you just don't want the party to end.” The official music video, directed by Manu Cossu with cinematographer André Chemetoff, sees Dua post-rehearsal in a dance hall, revising her choreography under fluorescent lights. The lights reflect in the room’s mirrors, creating an optical illusion as the energy begins to swell.  

 

“This track represents the most light and freeing parts of my singledom,” says Dua. “’Houdini’ is very tongue in cheek, exploring the idea of whether someone is really worth my while or if I’ll ghost them in the end. You never know where something may take you, that’s the beauty of being open to whatever life throws your way. I’m looking forward to sharing that feeling of defiant bliss with my fans.”

 

"Houdini" was written by Lipa, along with Caroline Ailin, Danny L. Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr., and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, a group who served as core collaborators throughout the project, and was produced by Parker and Harle. “A lot of this album was written in those joyous moments of absolute chaos and how I moved through the world with lightness and optimism of whatever the outcome may be,” says Dua. 

3x GRAMMY and 6x Brit Award-winning international pop powerhouse Dua Lipa closed out 2022 as one of the top performers of the year, with both Variety and Billboard naming her Future Nostalgia World Tour among the best live shows of the year. The tour’s namesake album solidified Dua’s position as both a critical success and top radio performer. Future Nostalgia is certified platinum in the US and UK, was the longest running top 10 album by a female artist on the Billboard 200 in 2021, and has spawned multiple worldwide hit singles, with “Levitating” earning certified diamond status and the title of Billboard’s No. 1 Hot 100 Song of 2021. In addition to breaking solo records, Dua proved to be a formidable collaborator, with Elton John’s “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” landing them the honor of Variety’s 2022 Hitmakers of the Year.

 

Dua has found superstar status on stage and off, thanks to her many passions outside the world of music. 2022 saw Dua launch Service95, a global style, culture, and society editorial platform inspired by her lifelong habit of curating extensive recommendations lists. The accompanying podcast, Dua Lipa: At Your Service, features thoughtful conversations with high-profile guests from fellow performers and artists to authors and activists, and has been lauded in publications including The Sunday Times, Vogue, The Guardian and was named one of the Best Podcasts of 2022 by Spotify. Dua’s passion for reading and affinity for storytelling led her to launch the third and latest branch of the platform, the Service95 Book Club.

 

As a fashion icon, Dua has graced the cover of every major fashion magazine worldwide from Vogue and Elle to W and Dazed. Most recently, Dua co-designed Versace’s “La Vacanza” collection, alongside the iconic Donatella Versace herself. The womenswear collection debuted at a fashion show in Cannes in May 2023 which Vogue called, “the hottest collaboration of the summer” while Vogue Runway’s review of the show hailed it “an instantly desirable, flattering summer wardrobe.”

 

Dua’s eponymous 2017 debut album is certified platinum, spawned six platinum tracks, and made her the first female artist in Brit Awards history to pick up five nominations in a single year. Dua has a total of 8 Grammy nominations, with three wins for Best Pop Vocal Album, Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording. Across platforms globally, she has amassed over 38 billion streams and holds the record for having the top two most streamed albums by a female artist of all time on Spotify.

Five female superstars who are dominating today’s music scene

March may have ended, but we’re not done celebrating Women’s History Month just yet! We’re putting the focus on some of our favorite superstars – multifaceted women who are making waves in and out of the music industry. 

 

These women continue to elevate their respective genres and empower others to express themselves, all while exploring different aspects of their artistry. Read on to discover if your favorite artist made the cut, and what songs of theirs you can’t miss!

 

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa is an artist that needs no introduction. This pop superstar started her career by posting song covers on YouTube, but what really propelled her into the spotlight was her hit song “New Rules.” From then on, it was just success after success for Dua, and the three-time Grammy Award winner is now currently on the US leg of her Future Nostalgia tour.

 

To share more about her experiences and create stronger connections with her fans, Dua also recently launched Service95. This weekly newsletter serves up a curation of recommendations, stories, and conversations that readers won’t see or read anywhere else. Not long after, she launched her podcast called Dua Lipa: At Your Service, where she and several podcast guests discuss relevant topics such as the importance of responsible storytelling and women supporting women. 

 

Songs you can’t miss: We’re pretty sure you’ve listened to “Levitating” a handful of times (and we can’t blame you), but another fun and upbeat song to stream is Dua’s latest release – “Sweetest Pie” with Megan Thee Stallion. 

 

Bella Poarch

 

Anyone who’s on TikTok is bound to know Bella Poarch. This pure Filipina rose to internet stardom after a video of her lip-syncing became viral in August 2020, getting more than 50 million likes. What eventually followed was her rise to becoming the #1 most followed Asian on TikTok worldwide! Soon, all eyes were on the 25-year-old star, and she proved not long after that her talents went beyond making TikTok videos.

 

In 2021, Bella released her first single called “Build a Bitch.” It became a global success, with its music video getting nearly 400 million views. This is no surprise, as the song is catchy, fresh, and calls out the unrealistic standards that women are told they must live up to. It’s clear that Bella uses her music not only to entertain, but also to go against problematic ideologies in today’s society.

 

Songs you can’t miss: “Build a Bitch” is a must-listen, but if you want the perfect blend of haunting and upbeat, check out her song with Sub Urban titled “Inferno.” 

 

Saweetie

 

One female rap star who’s made a name for herself in recent years is Saweetie. The Grammy-nominated artist started writing rap music in her early teens, and has pursued her passion for it since then. From uploading a now-viral freestyle video on Instagram to creating countless hit songs like “ICY GRL,” “High Maintenance,” and “My Type,” Saweetie is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.

 

Outside of music, she released an ICY jewelry line and collaborated with UK-based fashion retailer PrettyLittleThings for her very own collection. Hard work and independence have obviously always been in Saweetie’s blood, something that her Filipino-American family taught her at an early age. She’s proof that working for what you want pays off, and we are here for it!

 

Songs you can’t miss: If you’re looking for a song to hype you up and get you dancing, then “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat is the go-to. Looking for something more sultry and sensual? Then check out Saweetie’s new breezy single called “Closer” featuring H.E.R.

 

GAYLE

Unfiltered, honest, and genuine – these are some words that describe chart-topping pop singer GAYLE. Much like Bella Poarch, this Gen-Z artist blew up on TikTok after sharing her hit song “abcdefu” on the platform. Since then, she’s been receiving much deserved attention and acclaim, whether it’s being part of Billboard’s 21 under 21: The Ones To Watch or being a guest performer on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

 

GAYLE recently released her debut EP “a study of the human experience volume one,” which touches on her insecurities, desires, and raw emotions. Her relatable and nuanced songs embrace vulnerability, while also empowering others to be unapologetic about their feelings.

 

Songs you can’t miss: If you loved “abcdefu,” then you’ll love the equally catchy “luv starved.” 

 

Avril Lavigne

 

Rounding up this list is none other than pop-punk princess Avril Lavigne. The multi-platinum singer recently released her highly anticipated album “Love Sux,” sending fans into a frenzy. The album was well received, with a number of critics praising Avril for sticking to her nostalgic pop-punk sound while making sure it’s current and in the now.  

 

Avril is set to go on her Bite Me 2022 Canada Tour this coming May, and will be part of several concerts and music festivals for the rest of the year. As a trailblazer in her genre and in the industry in general, she continues to inspire fellow artists to stay authentic to their true selves as they work on their craft. 

 

Songs you can’t miss: If you want to listen to songs that are reminiscent of Avril’s past hits, then give “Bite Me” and “Love It When You Hate Me” a try. 

 

 

We’ve compiled all the songs you can’t miss from these artists onto one playlist! Listen to them here.

 

Smart’s Giga Play app brings the biggest acts like TXT, Ed Sheeran, and ENHYPEN on Dec. 11 live!

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is pulling out all the stops to give Filipinos access to highly anticipated international events featuring Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, the Jonas Brothers, and your favorite K-Pop stars ENHYPEN, TXT, aespa, ATEEZ, and more with the back-to-back livestreaming of iHeart Jingle Ball and the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) on December 11.

Catch these exclusive livestreams on Smart’s GigaPlay App with the annual iHeart Radio Jingle Ball Tour at 7 a.m. and MAMA at 3 p.m. through your Smart-connected device.

 

“A couple of months ago, the GigaPlay App was just a dream so you can just imagine how happy we are to give our customers exclusive access to some of the world’s most anticipated live events. And we’re just starting. If you can’t travel to see the concerts and experience events physically, then we bring them to you digitally—right at your fingertips,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

 

“This December, we’re excited to bring back the iHeart Jingle Ball and 2021 MAMA awards, this time on GigaPlay. Allow us to transport you to New York City and Paju in Seoul, through our convenient mobile app and enjoy watching the biggest international events as they happen in real-time,” added Basas.

 

From New York to Seoul in one day 

 

Watch the biggest music acts including Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Jonas Brothers, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Saweetie, AJR, Kane Brown, Tate Mcrae, Bazzi, and Dixie D’Amelo as they heat up New York city’s Madison Square Garden with their performances of their hits as well as some renditions of beloved holiday tunes. 

 

Later in the day, see who among the hottest K-Pop artists will take home this year’s biggest awards at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards straight from Seoul, South Korea. Catch Wanna One, aespa, Ateez, Brave Girls, Enhypen, INI, and more. Global superstar Ed Sheeran will have a special performance as well. 

 

Expect other big groups to drop by and perform during this year’s Mnet ceremonies. Start watching at 3 p.m. for the red carpet arrivals before the main show kicks off at 5 p.m. Korean celebrities Song Joong Ki, Rain, Ahn Bo Hyun, Lee Sun Bin, Yeo Jin Goo, Lee Do Hyun, and Choi Si Won among others will also join the program as presenters.

 

Don't miss all the exclusive live and on-demand shows and content on GigaPlay! Download the app now on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or click on this link: smrt.ph/gigaplay.

Fastest 5G mobile network      

 

GigaPlay is powered by Smart, the country's fastest and most reliable 5G mobile network as reported by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. To date, Smart has already fired up 4,400 5G sites nationwide making it the country's first, fastest, and widest 5G network.        

  

Smart has also reasserted its dominance as the Philippines' fastest mobile network for the fourth year in a row, based on analysis by Ookla of tests taken with Speedtest® covering the first half of 2021.