Katy Perry:- singer, exhibitionist, performer, dancer, occasional actress and world-class superstar.
When Katy Perry first smashed onto the music scene in 2008 with the 'controversial' I Kissed a Girl, I really wasn't a fan. Initially, I felt that Katy was being controversial for the sake of being controversial, as in order to obtain recognition by fans and critics alike. However, Katy proved she was more than a one hit wonder and continued to produce infectious songs that dominated the charts worldwide.
On Monday 4th April 2011, I was lucky enough to see Katy live in concert. So, yes, my opinion has somewhat changed on her. Since the release of her sophomore album, 'Teenage Dream', I have ranked Perry amongst one of my favourite female artists, and when I attended the Birmingham date of her worldwide California Dreams tour, I was far from disappointed.
After a Tim Burton inspired video interlude, Katy Perry arrived on the stage with her opening song 'Teenage Dream', and it was official; the audience had arrived in Candyfornia, a world as sweet and sugary as Perry herself. Throughout all of Katy's various costume changes, video montages and infectious setlist, she showed the star quality she was capable of and solidified her position within the hierarchy of female performers of today, ranking highly with Rihanna and Lady GaGa.
If I'm 100% honest, I didn't expect her to be as good as what she actually was. Her vocals were impeccable, her staging was captivating, her styling was sleek, sexy and sweet and her overall performance was incredible. Katy's setlist included all of her biggest hits, including I Kissed a Girl, Hot 'n' Cold, Firework and her second UK number single, California Gurls. She was faultless and there was nothing she was missing from her production.
Whilst there are people who are sceptical about Katy Perry, as I once was, if anything she has the power to transform everyone's opinion, as she did with mine. There is no denying the effect Katy has on fans worldwide and of all ages. After seeing her live in concert, I am captivated, irrevocably. With the sass and looks of a vintage pin-up and the singing voice to boot, Katy Perry looks set to be around for many, many years to come; she has ageless appeal. Girls want to be her and guys want to be with her.
Admittedly, after the success she has enjoyed over the last year with singles California Gurls, Teenage Dream and Firework and her album 'Teenage Dream', it is going to be a struggle in order for Katy to outdo herself. Yet with the ability that she possesses to reinvent herself, I have no doubt that Katy will continue to captivate and dazzle.
10/10
