She Fled War and Left Her Parents' Home as a Child – Now She's a Superstar Everyone Hears on the Radio

From a young age, this musical star had dreams of being a pop star. What followed was a rise to global fame that even she didn't think was possible.

Long before fame, awards, and record-breaking tours, this famous singer was just a teenager alone in London, pushing herself to make her musical dreams come true.

Take a look at her incredible journey told through photos — from a child always adapting to new places and cultures to an ambitious teen and eventually one of today's biggest stars.

Her Childhood

This musical star was born in London, England, after her parents moved there to escape the war in former Yugoslavia. However, life in the city didn't last forever. At 11, she moved to Kosovo with her parents, Dukagjin and Anesa.

Reflecting on her childhood experiences, the famous singer said, "The impact of war, it's devastating, and I really became very much, like, in touch with my roots and understanding things in a completely different light."

Growing up, she found herself repeatedly adapting to new places and cultures, having spent her early years between Kosovo and London. "I've been a new girl all my life," she revealed.

Then, at 15, she made the life-changing decision to return to the UK to take her GCSEs and chase her music dreams. "From a young age, I had the dream to be a pop star, but it never seemed like something that was actually possible," she admitted.

Despite that uncertainty, her ambition didn't waver. "I was like, 'I want to do music, but I want to do it on a global scale. I have to go back to where everything is happening,'" the famous singer recalled. "As much as I loved living in Kosovo, it was a very different experience," she further explained.

However, it wasn't an easy conversation with her parents when she decided to leave home alone for her dreams. When asked how the conversation went, her father shared, "Quite a one-way street, one-way conversation." Her mother added, "Even I think she planned this all this thing to happen [sic]. It was her destiny, yeah."

Back in London, the singer focused entirely on her music goals. "I was quite determined," she said. "[...] I was driven. My dad says I'm very hard to say no to!"

"I was really persistent. I just started writing a lot, worked with a producer. I was 17. I was offered a publishing deal but [producer] Felix told me to go to a lawyer, who said, 'Don't sign that deal!' They then helped me get into the studio," she continued.

Years later, the musical star reached remarkable heights in her career, but never forgot about her roots. In 2019, she travelled to Lebanon with UNICEF to bring attention to children displaced by the war in Syria. "I really felt that duality of, like, being from two places at the same time," she stated.

2013

2016

In 2016, this musical star was already making waves in the industry. That year, she attended the BRIT Awards, turning heads with her effortlessly cool style and confident presence.

2017

2018

This musical star is none other than Dua Lipa, who, in 2018, was performing to sold-out crowds around the world during her Self-Titled Tour, where she brought her breakout hits to stages across the globe.

2019

2020

By 2020, Lipa had become a staple on the world's biggest red carpets. At the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, she stunned with a bold blue eyeshadow look and sleek two-toned hair.

2021

2022

2023

Since leaving Kosovo for London at just 15 to chase her music dreams, Lipa has grown into a true global sensation. By 2023, her influence reached far beyond her songs on the radio.

That year, she turned heads at the Met Gala with a classic yet striking look, wearing a timeless white gown paired with an eye-catching diamond necklace.

Soon after, she showed off her daring side at the "Barbie" movie premiere, stepping out in a shimmering mesh dress that highlighted her status as a fashion risk-taker.

2024

In 2024, Lipa's star power only shone brighter. At the Critics' Choice Awards, she shared the spotlight with Billie Eilish and other top names in the industry.

The following month, the famous singer attended the Grammys and was spotted alongside Beyoncé, a clear sign she had firmly cemented her place among music's elite.

Away from the red carpets, her personal life also caught attention, as reports began to emerge linking her to actor Callum Turner.

2025

In 2025, Lipa's life has been filled with milestones, both personal and professional. For one, her relationship with Turner made headlines after the couple confirmed their engagement.

"Yeah, we're engaged. It's very exciting," the star revealed. She disclosed that her ring was designed by Turner, with help from her best friends and sister. "I'm obsessed with it. It's so me," the star remarked.

Looking to the future, Lipa also shared her thoughts about having children. "I'd love to have kids one day," she said. "But it's like the constant question of when would there ever be a good time […]."

Professionally, Lipa continued to dominate the stage. In March, she performed in Sydney, Australia, as part of her Radical Optimism Tour, captivating crowds with her energetic set and commanding stage presence.

She also continued to make her mark in fashion, attending the Chanel Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week in January, where she turned heads with her elegant look and effortless style.

But Lipa still found time to relax. In one candid moment shared on Instagram, she was photographed enjoying a peaceful vacation, soaking up the sun in a black studded bikini and looking completely at ease.

From a young girl with dreams of stardom to a global icon rubbing shoulders with music's elite, Dua Lipa has proven that determination and talent can take you anywhere. With her career soaring and her personal life thriving, she shows no signs of slowing down.