Earlier this week American singer Katy Perry, best known for her bubblegum pop, said she felt like a "human Piñata" after weeks of online backlash. The description felt suitably colourful - but the acknowledgement was serious. A decade on from headlining the Superbowl, Perry's part in a much-derided Blue Origin spaceflight hasseen her star crash down to Earth. Mockery over the apparent worthiness of her reaction, including kissing the ground after landing and saying she felt "so connected to love", spread online. Fast food chain Wendy'seven posted to ask: "Can we send her back?" Trolls have now taken aim at her world tour, which began in Mexico on 23 April, criticising her dance moves and performances. It seems the star who first broke through singing about a boyfriend's mood swings now faces an icy reception. Perry's blamed an "unhinged and unhealed" internet - but is toxic social media the only reason? The music writer Michael Cragg, author of Reach for the Stars, believes Perry's problem is that she's stuck between pop cultures and feels increasingly out of touch. "Her pop star persona was cemented in the 2010s as cartoon-y, fun and playful, all whipped cream bras and goofy videos where she wore oversized braces on her teeth," he says. For a period this worked. Her second album Teenage Dream, which doubled down on Perry's staple cheeky, sexualised girl-next-door image, scored five Billboard number one singles to match a record set by Michael Jackson. Its follow-up, 2013's Prism, bore transatlantic smash single Roar (her fourth solo UK number one), as well as Dark Horse in the US (her ninth domestically). Perry hasn't topped charts under her own steam since. "That was a long time ago in pop terms and it feels like she hasn't evolved," adds Cragg. In the past year, her comeback single Woman's World, touted as a female empowerment anthem, struck critics as lyrically shallow. Some fans also seemed unimpressed that it was produced by Dr. Luke, who previously faced sexual assault allegations from the singer Kesha. The producer denied the claims and the pair reached an agreement to settle a defamation lawsuit in 2023, but Perry remained tainted by association. The track failed to land in the top 50 in the US and only just managed in the UK, at 47. "Her sort of spiritual 'let love lead the way' messages she posts don't really hold sway with very online pop fans in the face of that decision," says Cragg. "The regressive girl boss feel of Woman's World, and then the album not being great hasn't helped," he adds, pointing to rapper Doja Cat's success working with Dr. Luke without the same negative response. It followed a pattern of failed reinvention attempts stretching back to 2017's Witness, where Perry attempted to launch her socially conscious "purposeful pop" era. But its Sia-written lead single Chained to the Rhythm, which boldly attacked mindless pop culture, appeared to be undermined by Bon Appetit, a song openly objectifying Perry as a sexual meal. Female pop stardom has shifted. Last year's biggest breakout music stars – Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX – were womenjoined by a thread of fierce self-assurance, underpinned by relatability and authenticity. In contrast, Perry wanted distance from her pop persona - as the headline for Cragg's2017 Guardian interviewwith her put it: "I created this character called Katy Perry. I didn't want to be Katheryn Hudson. It was too scary." Perry's first hit I Kissed A Girl caused controversy for the fetishisation of lesbians even back in 2008 when it was released. But today Roan's had global success telling her genuine queer awakening. "The flip flopping has jarred in an era where... very defined pop star personas are the ones cutting through," argues Cragg. Perry's 2021-2023 playground-styled Las Vegas residency embraced her surreal, fantastical imageto commercialandcritical success. But it's not translating to a new generation of fans. "I think ultimately people see her as a bit cringeworthy now," Cragg adds. "Being shot into space on a billionaire's jolly while everyone watches that on social media platforms interspersed with war and the climate crisis... just feels tonally not ideal," he says. Perry may have misjudged the public mood, but at the same time, the venom in the blowback points to deeper issues in pop culture beyond her control. There is no doubt that the social media landscape has become more frenzied in recent years, with stars like Roanspeaking against toxic fandoms. Simon Diego, the creator of Brazil's Portal Katy Perry fan community, described the scale of the abuse towards the 40-year-old as "unbelievable". The group showed their support by clubbing together with other fan pages to pay for a digital billboard message in New York's Times Square for 24 hours. "We're so proud of you and your magical journey and we love you to the moon and back," it read. "Know that you are safe, seen and celebrated. We'll see you around the world, this is just the beginning." It was this that Perry replied to directly with her Piñata remark acknowledging the backlash. "I think Katy and many other celebrities are feeling unsafe in the one space that used to connect them to fans," Diego tells BBC News. He believes that's why Perry has never posted photos of her daughter's face online. But even that boundary was ignored in the wake of the spaceflight criticism, as commenters began targeting her four-year-old child simply because "it's cool now", he says. "They don't understand how bad it could affect her." Others, like Marie Claire Australia editor Georgie McCourt, think pervasive misogyny plays a part. "There's a particular ire reserved for women like Perry: ambitious, unapologetic, hyper-visible," shewrote in a column, noting that male celebrities have already gone into space without such surveillant reaction. So where next for Perry? Cragg says a hit single would help. "I'm not saying it will return her to the commercial highs of old, because that ship has sailed for a lot of pre-streaming artists, but it will steady the ship."
How Katy Perry became the Hot and Cold popstar
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Katy Perry Faces Backlash Amid Evolving Pop Culture Landscape"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Katy Perry, the American pop sensation renowned for her catchy hits and vibrant persona, recently expressed feeling like a 'human Piñata' amid a wave of online criticism following her participation in a Blue Origin spaceflight. This backlash has been exacerbated by her somewhat theatrical responses to the experience, including a dramatic kiss to the ground upon landing. The public's reaction has not only mocked her antics but also criticized her recent performances during her world tour, which began in Mexico. Critics argue that Perry, who once dominated the charts with hits like 'Teenage Dream' and 'Roar,' has not adapted to the evolving pop landscape, leading to her current struggles. Music writer Michael Cragg notes that Perry's playful image, which was once a hallmark of her success, now seems outdated. Her latest single, 'Woman’s World,' intended as an empowering anthem, fell flat, and her association with controversial producer Dr. Luke has further complicated her comeback attempts. The song's failure to chart significantly in the US and UK highlights a disconnect between Perry's past success and her present challenges, as fans feel her message lacks depth and relevance in today’s music scene.
The landscape of female pop stardom has shifted dramatically, with new artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX capturing audiences with authenticity and relatable personas. Perry's attempts to distance herself from her established image have not resonated, and her Las Vegas residency, while commercially successful, has not translated into gaining new fans. The backlash she faces is not solely due to her actions but also reflects broader issues in pop culture, including the toxicity of social media and pervasive misogyny. As debate continues around the treatment of women in the industry, some commentators suggest that Perry, like many female artists, faces a unique scrutiny that male counterparts do not. Despite the negativity, Perry's dedicated fanbase remains supportive, as evidenced by a recent display in Times Square celebrating her journey. Moving forward, her success may hinge on producing a hit that resonates with contemporary audiences, though the landscape has dramatically changed since her peak in the early 2010s.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article delves into the recent challenges faced by pop star Katy Perry, highlighting her perceived decline in popularity and the backlash she has received following her involvement in a spaceflight and her latest performances. It paints a picture of a once-dominant figure in pop music struggling to adapt to the current cultural landscape and public sentiment.
Public Perception and Backlash
Perry's candid remark about feeling like a "human Piñata" indicates her awareness of the public's criticism, particularly on social media. The backlash seems fueled not only by her recent actions but also by a broader cultural shift that has left her feeling out of touch with contemporary audiences. This suggests that the article aims to draw attention to the volatile nature of celebrity culture, where public opinion can pivot dramatically based on a few incidents.
Critique of Artistic Evolution
The commentary from music writer Michael Cragg points to a significant theme in the article: Perry's perceived stagnation in her artistic evolution. The juxtaposition of her past successes against her recent work underscores a shift in expectations from both the music industry and fans. The article suggests that the lack of innovation in her music, particularly with her latest single "Woman's World," has left her vulnerable to criticism, indicating a struggle for relevance in a rapidly evolving music scene.
Underlying Issues Beyond Social Media
While the article attributes part of Perry's issues to "an unhinged and unhealed" internet, it subtly implies that there may be deeper concerns regarding her brand and image. The focus on her past successes juxtaposed with current struggles raises questions about the sustainability of her persona in the face of changing cultural norms and expectations.
Connection to Broader Trends
This narrative is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry where established artists must continually adapt to remain relevant. The article's exploration of Perry's situation might resonate with other celebrities facing similar challenges, suggesting a collective struggle in the industry to balance personal expression with public expectation.
Potential Impact on Society
The discussion around Perry's struggles can have implications beyond the entertainment sphere. Celebrity culture often influences societal values and trends, and the backlash against Perry could reflect a growing sentiment among audiences about authenticity and the importance of evolving with societal changes.
Target Audience
The article seems aimed at readers who follow pop culture and celebrity news, particularly those interested in the dynamics of fame and public perception. It may particularly resonate with younger audiences who are active on social media and more vocal about their opinions on celebrity behavior.
Financial Implications
While the article does not explicitly discuss financial consequences, the decline in Perry's popularity could impact her marketability and thus affect associated brand partnerships and endorsements. Celebrities often have significant influence over stock prices related to their endorsements or associated brands.
Geopolitical Relevance
On a broader scale, the article does not directly connect to geopolitical issues but does touch on themes of cultural influence that can shape societal values and trends globally. The struggles of a high-profile figure like Perry could reflect larger conversations about celebrity culture and its implications worldwide.
Use of AI in Reporting
There is no clear indication that AI was used in crafting this article; however, if it were, models might have been used to analyze public sentiment or trends in social media. AI could also assist in curating data on Perry's past performances to provide context for her current situation.
In conclusion, the article presents a nuanced view of Katy Perry's current standing in the pop music landscape, exploring themes of public perception, artistic evolution, and the challenges of maintaining relevance in a fast-changing environment. It effectively captures the complexities of celebrity culture while hinting at broader societal reflections. The reliability of the article hinges on its use of credible sources and analysis, although it may exhibit a slight bias towards the negative aspects of Perry's current situation.