Katy Perry took the stage at Chicago’s United Center with confidence, sparkle, and — in a now-viral moment — a touch of cheeky self-awareness.
“I thought I was the most hated person on the internet,” she laughed to her cheering audience during her Lifetimes Tour set. The crowd roared even louder in response.
“Maybe that’s not true after all!” she added, her grin matching the mood of the night: bold, joyful, and completely unfazed.
Still Standing — Online and On Stage
Her 2024 album “143” serves as the heartbeat of this tour — a sonic comeback following a period of intense public scrutiny.
Just weeks ago, Perry made headlines for joining Blue Origin’s first all-female space flight, a historic moment that also sparked polarized reactions online. And before that, her 2023 collaboration with Dr. Luke on “Woman’s World” had revived debate, due to the long-standing legal battle between the producer and Kesha, which was finally settled out of court in 2023.
But on stage in Chicago, all of that faded. The room was filled with energy, celebration — and zero doubt about Perry’s enduring connection with her fans.
Owning Her Story
Offstage, Perry has been candid about the toll of public life. In a past Instagram post, she referenced advice from her therapist that’s become something of a mantra:
“No one can convince you of something you don’t already believe about yourself.”
She added: “I know who I am. I know what matters to me.”
That inner strength was on full display in Chicago. It wasn’t just a concert — it was a statement. A reminder that Perry’s sparkle isn’t just in her sequins or her chart-toppers — it’s in her resilience.
Through highs, lows, hits, and headlines, Katy Perry continues to prove that staying grounded — and having a sense of humor — might just be the greatest power move of all.
