Growing up, me and my best friend were having dance parties singing to Hot N Cold and I Kissed A Girl without even knowing what these lyrics meant. We watched the music videos on MTV and loved every second of it. So when we both got concert tickets for Christmas, our teenage dreams came true. Katy Perry was my first ever concert that I can remember and seeing the whole show come together was a moment that made my whole childhood. Did I know what I was singing at the time? Listening to it today, I can with most certainty say, no! Was it still fun? Absolutely!
Our generation watched Katy go crazy with her music videos, costumes and overall album concepts. She was everywhere, she traveled the world and fans were captured by her colorful and very bright presence. It was like a firework of great talent, outstanding shows and an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide. But Katy is not just an incredible artist and entertainer, she has created a safe space for KatyCats everywhere and has given them light when they couldn’t find their own. Her artistry gave them stability and – according to the KatyCats – she has really helped them to not only find themselves individually but to live their lives more authentically and unapologetically.
As our generation has seen the Queen of Pop skyrocket in her career, not everyone knows the humble and caring woman behind the name. She makes time for everyone she crosses paths with and lights up a room just by stepping into it. Her energy is electric and has been the spark of happiness a lot of young people needed to get through their darkest hours. By always staying true to herself and being extremely relatable, she drew attention to not just her music but herself as an empowering woman as well. When you look at the music industry from when Katy first started vs. today, there hasn’t been anyone like her at all. And that is a unique power right there.
Even though she had her own battles to fight and lows to overcome, Katy never stopped working hard and putting her all into her music and the legacy she wants to leave for her daughter one day. Today, she has built an empire that goes from music, movies and TV to her own shoe brand Katy Perry Collections and more. She is one of the world’s best paid entertainers which – as a woman in the industry – is a huge achievement. Even though not everyone might have followed her career actively till this day, those who have are the most loyal community you could ask for. KatyCats travel from all countries to her Vegas Residency, they come together and create memories that will last a lifetime. To have that place where you can be yourself and support your favorite artist at the same time is magical.
It takes someone special, honest music you can find yourself in and a fanbase that turns into family, to get you through your toughest battles. Katy’s music has been a safe space and has taken her fans to places they never thought possible. Who would have thought that a teenage girl with a blue guitar could turn horrible nightmares into hopeful fairytales?
ROARA Magazine 