The energy inside Newark’s Prudential Center on August 14th was electric, a tangible excitement radiating from a crowd of young fans, their parents, and loyal “Katycats.” This was the scene for Katy Perry’s “Lifetimes World Tour,” and from the moment she appeared, the eager audience went wild in the best way possible. What followed was a high-intensity, two-hour-plus showcase of stunning theatrics and impressive vocal talent, though at times, the spectacle threatened to overshadow the star at its center.
The night kicked off with a high-energy set from opening act Rebecca Black. Her performance, full of glitz and strong vocals, did an excellent job of warming up the crowd and setting a fun, pop-centric tone for the main event.
There is no denying the show is a visual feast. Perry made her grand entrance from the middle of an infinity symbol-shaped stage, clad in a futuristic costume that set the tone for the evening. This spectacular opening was immediately captivating, setting a high bar for the rest of the night. The production was relentless in its creativity; Perry would often disappear into the stage floor, only to reemerge moments later on a different part of it. Separately, she would take to the air, flying across the arena on cables. One memorable moment saw her performing from within a spinning metal sphere, hanging upside down while never missing a note. A definite highlight, however, was when she rode atop a giant, suspended butterfly, soaring around the arena.
The setlist was a masterclass in pop satisfaction, a journey through a catalog of modern anthems. Fan favorites like “I Kissed a Girl,” “Roar,” and “Firework” had the entire arena on their feet, singing at the top of their lungs. She also weaved in songs from her new album, 143, which blended seamlessly with the older material. The night’s themes of love, female empowerment, and celebration connected perfectly with her music, new and old. A particularly memorable moment was her performance of the classic, emotional song “Pearl,” a fan-favorite that offered a moment of heartfelt connection amidst the high-energy spectacle.
While the music hit all the right notes, the loose narrative tying these moments together was less successful. The theme involved a video game-style battle against a villain named “Mainframe” who had stolen the world’s butterflies. The storyline felt odd and out of place, a minor distraction from the otherwise brilliant performance. It almost felt like a story created to appeal specifically to an audience her daughter’s age, and the show could have easily done without it in favor of a different theme.
Even when the story faltered, Perry’s talent did not. Her live singing was incredible, a powerful and clear counterpoint to the elaborate production. Considering she was constantly running and flying through the air, her ability to sound so great was a true testament to her skill. She further endeared herself to the local crowd by declaring New Jersey was even louder than her New York show at the iconic Madison Square Garden, adding, “I just feel like I can be myself in New Jersey.” This personable nature shone brightest during a particularly touching fan interaction. After bringing fans on stage, Perry spoke with a young girl named Grace. “When I look into your eyes, I see the universe,” Perry told her. Grace sweetly replied, “You are the universe.” Perry then smiled and said, “We are the universe. We are all made of stardust. What do you want to be when you grow up?” Grace’s answer—”I want to be someone like you”—was another clear indication of how much of a role model Perry has become.
Ultimately, the ‘Lifetimes’ tour feels like a reflection of Katy Perry’s current place in the pop landscape. Despite the overdone theatrics and the odd storyline, the performance landed perfectly with its intended audience, judging by the chorus of fans leaving the arena proclaiming it was an awesome and great show. While she may not be the same force she was in 2010, she’s proven that she can still inspire a new younger generation of women to be strong and independent. For the cheering crowd, that message, delivered with a powerhouse voice and a dazzling smile, was more than enough.
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