Katy Perry remains one of the most recognisable figures in global pop music, known for her anthemic hits, flamboyant style, and ability to reinvent herself. In 2025, Perry is making headlines again with the release of her new album, a major UK tour, and a series of personal and professional changes that have reignited both fan excitement and critical debate.
A New Album and a Fresh Start
Perry’s latest album, 143, released in September 2024, marks her return to the studio after a four-year hiatus following Smile. The album’s title, a nod to the phrase “I love you” once popularised by pager codes, signals Perry’s intent to create a “dance party” record filled with empowering, provocative pop anthems. She collaborated with long-time producers like Max Martin and Dr. Luke, as well as new names such as Vaughn Oliver, bringing together a mix of nostalgia and contemporary pop sounds.
The album’s lead single, “Woman’s World,” dropped in July 2024 and quickly became a talking point. The track, which Perry teased on social media with a bold, confident image, peaked at number 47 on the UK Singles Chart and number 63 on the US Billboard Hot 100. While not matching the chart dominance of her earlier hits, “Woman’s World” and subsequent singles like “Lifetimes” and “I’m His, He’s Mine” have kept Perry in the public eye.
Despite the anticipation, 143 received a mixed critical reception. Some praised its energetic spirit and Perry’s signature hooks, while others criticised the production as dated and the songwriting as lacklustre, with some reviewers comparing it to AI-generated music. The album debuted at number six on the UK Albums Chart, her lowest to date, but still managed to secure top ten positions in several countries.
The Lifetimes Tour: A UK Celebration
Perry’s return to live performance is a major event for UK fans. The Lifetimes Tour, her first in seven years, will see her play five major arenas across the UK in October 2025, including stops in Glasgow, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, and London’s O2 Arena. The tour promises a career-spanning setlist, with Perry herself describing it as “a giant dance party, and everyone’s invited!”.
Tickets for the tour have been in high demand, with presales and general sales prompting a rush from fans eager to see Perry’s theatrical stagecraft and hear her biggest hits live once again. The tour follows a series of sold-out shows in Australia and North America, reinforcing Perry’s enduring appeal as a live performer.
Personal Life in the Public Gaze
Alongside her professional resurgence, Perry’s personal life continues to attract attention. She and actor Orlando Bloom, engaged since 2019 and parents to four-year-old Daisy Dove, have faced persistent rumours of a split in recent months. Reports suggest the couple are working through a “rough patch,” with plans to reunite after Perry’s tour break for crucial talks. Both have busy, often conflicting schedules, which sources say have contributed to their recent challenges. Despite speculation, those close to the couple remain hopeful they can reconcile.
Perry has spoken candidly about the pressures of balancing motherhood, a demanding career, and public scrutiny. In interviews, she has described her daughter as her “greatest joy” and hinted at the importance of family time, even as she prepares for a global tour.
Moving On from American Idol
After seven seasons as a judge on American Idol, Perry announced her departure from the show in early 2025. She cited a desire to focus on new music and touring as key reasons for leaving, telling fans she wants to “feel the pulse of my own beat” and see the world. Her time on the show cemented her reputation as a mentor and industry tastemaker, but Perry now seems eager to return to her own creative pursuits.
Her exit from American Idol was emotional, with Perry expressing gratitude for the experience and leaving the door open for a possible return in the future. The move has been widely interpreted as a sign of her commitment to this new phase of her career.
Navigating Controversy and Criticism
Perry’s recent choices have not been without controversy. Her decision to reunite with Dr. Luke, a producer embroiled in a high-profile legal battle with Kesha, drew criticism from some fans and commentators, especially given the album’s themes of female empowerment. Perry has also faced backlash for aligning herself with high-profile figures like Jeff Bezos while publicly supporting progressive causes, leading to accusations of mixed messaging.
Online, Perry has become the subject of memes and jokes, particularly around her ill-fated space flight and fluctuating ticket sales. Yet, she remains resilient, addressing crowds with humour and self-awareness, even referencing her status as “most hated on the internet” during a recent sold-out show.
Conclusion
With over 70 million albums and 143 million tracks sold worldwide, Perry’s impact on pop music is undeniable. She is one of only a dozen artists to surpass 100 million certified units, and her catalogue of hits—from “Firework” to “Teenage Dream”—continues to resonate with fans old and new.
As she embarks on The Lifetimes Tour and navigates the complexities of fame, Perry appears determined to embrace both her triumphs and her missteps. Her new music, live performances, and candid approach to public life suggest an artist still evolving, still willing to take risks, and still committed to entertaining and inspiring her audience. For UK fans, Katy Perry’s 2025 comeback is more than a nostalgia trip—it’s a chance to witness a pop icon in the midst of reinvention, proving that even amid criticism and change, her star power endures.
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