Three months away from hitting the big 4-0, Katy Perry’s return to the spotlight is shaping up to be more of a mid-life misstep than a triumphant comeback.
The pop star’s attempt to reignite her career has been marred by a flashy, somewhat embarrassing video and disappointing single sales.
Now pushing her new album, ‘143’, Perry claims it represents her ‘symbolic angel number’, though it might be more hopeful than prophetic in terms of chart performance.
After a four-year break from new music, her efforts to stay relevant are falling flat.
Back in June, the signs of trouble were apparent when Perry made headlines at Balenciaga’s couture show in Paris. She appeared in an unzipped fur jacket, barely covered, which seemed more suited to a Bianca Censori impersonation than a pop icon.
Her new single, ‘Woman’s World’, debuted poorly, landing at No. 63 on the Billboard charts.
Marketed as a feminist anthem, the song has faced criticism due to its production by the controversial Dr. Luke and its video, which many find objectifying.
The video is criticized for its tacky and desperate visuals, featuring everything from gas pumps to vibrators. Perry’s attempt to pass it off as satire has failed to convince many.
In her quest to stay relevant, Perry has been seen at Ibiza clubs, hosting album listening parties in Paris and London, and even buying drinks at crowded bars while flaunting her wealth.
This approach feels far from the glamorous image she once upheld.
Reflecting on Past Successes
Despite not being known for her singing or dancing prowess, Perry has enjoyed significant success. With a net worth of approximately $350 million, she’s one of the richest musicians globally.
Her debut single, ‘I Kissed a Girl’, has over 850 million streams on Spotify.
In 2010, she became the second artist after Michael Jackson to have five No. 1 hits from one album (‘Teenage Dream’), and her 2015 Super Bowl halftime show was once the most-watched in history.
She seems to have a happy personal life with actor Orlando Bloom and their young daughter, but clearly, fame remains a crucial part of her identity.
The Struggle for Relevance
Perry’s recent endorsement of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, by sharing a video set to ‘Woman’s World’, reflects her struggle to maintain relevance.
This sense of entitlement suggests she believes people will continue to support her regardless of the quality of her work.
However, public patience with her brand of pop, often criticized as inauthentic, is wearing thin.
Fading Impact
While successful peers like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift continue to evolve, Perry seems to be struggling with artistic growth. Her recent departure from American Idol, a common gig for fading stars, leaves her career in a precarious state.
Despite her efforts to keep up appearances and the money invested in her comeback, it appears her return is turning out to be more of a letdown than a spectacular revival.
TDPel Media
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