“She Just Wanted to Make Him Laugh”: How a Joke Led Dua Lipa to Chris Martin — and a Career-Defining Moment

Sometimes, a lighthearted comment can change everything. In 2017, rising pop star Dua Lipa made a casual joke about wanting to collaborate with Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin — a quip meant purely to amuse. But that moment of humor unexpectedly became the spark for one of her most emotionally resonant songs and a milestone in her early career.

The Song That Started It All: “Homesick”

The story begins with “Homesick”, the tender piano ballad that closes Dua Lipa’s self-titled debut album. Unlike the pulsing dance tracks that made her famous, “Homesick” is stripped down and deeply reflective, built around just piano and vocals.

As Lipa later explained, she mentioned to a member of Coldplay’s team — jokingly — that she’d love to work with Martin. To her surprise, the idea was taken seriously. She was soon asked to send him some of her unreleased demos. Martin responded quickly, inviting her to join him in Malibu, California, for a writing session.

In that studio session, the two artists found instant creative chemistry. Together, they co-wrote “Homesick,” with Martin contributing piano and backing vocals. His signature melodic sensibility is unmistakable on the track, blending seamlessly with Lipa’s smoky, emotive tone. The result was a hauntingly beautiful song that critics described as “a moment of stillness and sincerity” amid her otherwise high-energy debut record.

From Studio to Stadium: The Collaboration Expands

The partnership didn’t end in the studio. In late 2017, Dua Lipa joined Coldplay’s A Head Full of Dreams Tour as a supporting act during its South American leg — performing in massive arenas across Brazil, Argentina, and other countries.

What began as a “wishful joke” evolved into a defining experience: sharing the stage with one of the world’s biggest bands. During her sets, Chris Martin often made a surprise appearance to perform “Homesick” live with her, turning the intimate studio duet into an awe-inspiring arena moment.

For Lipa, then just 22, the collaboration was more than an artistic opportunity — it was a moment of validation. Having a co-sign from a global icon like Martin helped propel her into the international spotlight and showcased her range as an artist capable of both pop dominance and emotional depth.

A Joke That Sparked a Career Milestone

Looking back, the story of “Homesick” captures what makes Dua Lipa’s career trajectory so remarkable: a mix of talent, timing, and a touch of fate. What began as a simple attempt to make Chris Martin laugh ended up reshaping her artistic path — and marking the first of many global milestones to come.

Today, as Dua Lipa headlines her own stadium tours and continues to redefine pop music on her own terms, “Homesick” remains a reminder of how one playful comment bridged the gap between a rising star and a seasoned legend — and how laughter can sometimes lead straight to legacy.