Once a pop music powerhouse, Katy Perry’s latest album, *143*, has been met with a wave of controversy and underperforming singles, raising questions about her ability to reconnect with today’s audience. This stumble reflects not only Perry’s own challenges but broader shifts in the music industry.
The pop comeback holds a special place in music lore. From Judy Garland’s triumphant return at Carnegie Hall to Cher’s disco resurgence with *Believe*, seeing a once-great star reclaim their spotlight is often emotionally charged. But the other side of that coin— the failed comeback— is just as compelling, reminding us that nothing in entertainment is guaranteed, no matter how high the star has soared before.
This is the reality Perry faces today. Her lead single *Woman’s World* debuted at a disappointing number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, and her follow-up track *Lifetimes* peaked at just number 15 on a lesser-known chart. For a singer who has tied Rihanna for the most diamond singles, the commercial failure of these tracks was a shock. Forbes music journalist Hugh McIntyre observes, "Katy Perry is one of the biggest names in pop music, so when these songs didn’t cut through, it created an interesting story for the media."
So, why isn’t Perry’s music resonating?
A Controversial Return to Dr Luke
The troubles began with the rollout of *Woman’s World*, a track Perry described as empowering and inspired by her previous anthems like *Firework* and *Roar*. But fans were quick to point out a troubling issue: Perry had chosen to collaborate again with Dr Luke, a producer embroiled in a high-profile legal battle with singer Kesha, who accused him of sexual assault. While Perry distanced herself from Dr Luke during this controversy, her decision to reunite with him for *143* left many baffled.
Dr Luke’s reputation remains divisive. Although some in the industry have welcomed him back—he's earned multiple Grammy nominations for his work with Doja Cat—many fans and critics felt Perry’s feminist message was undermined by his involvement. Music journalist Rhian Daly argues Perry "misjudged how working with Dr Luke again would go down," noting that even Doja Cat has distanced herself from the producer.
Additionally, Perry’s lyrics in *Woman’s World* were criticized for lacking depth, especially given the gravity of the issues surrounding gender equality and female empowerment. Lines like "She's a winner, champion, superhuman, number one" felt out of touch in an era where younger artists like Charli XCX and Chappell Roan are praised for their raw, unfiltered songwriting.
A Shifting Cultural Landscape*
The cultural climate has shifted dramatically since Perry’s heyday in the early 2010s. Back then, her bright, optimistic pop matched the upbeat spirit of the time. But as Daly points out, after years of global turmoil—pandemics, economic hardships, and social unrest—audiences today are drawn to more cynical or hedonistic music that reflects the complexities of the present.
Moreover, Perry’s attempt to create music that appeals to a wide age range may have backfired. McIntyre notes that Perry seems stuck trying to engineer hits that will appeal to "12-year-old kids to their 40-year-old parents." In 2024, with music consumption fragmented across platforms like TikTok and Spotify, such universal appeal is harder to achieve.
The Age Factor
At 39, Perry is also navigating a music industry that often sidelines women over 35. This issue came to the forefront when Kylie Minogue’s hit *Padam Padam* faced radio snubs, despite its viral success, due to Minogue’s age. Perry, too, seems to be facing a backlash, with critics accusing her of "trying too hard" to remain youthful and relevant.
Though Perry’s recent singles have failed to revive her chart-topping career, it’s clear that ageism and misogyny may also be playing a role. High-profile female artists frequently face harsher scrutiny as they grow older, something Perry is likely grappling with in her latest attempt to reclaim pop stardom.
The Road Ahead
Perry’s comeback may be off to a rocky start, but her resilience should not be underestimated. She’s reinvented herself before—her transformation from Christian rock singer Katy Hudson to pop sensation Katy Perry is a testament to her adaptability. While her recent work may not have struck a chord, she could still make a comeback if she heeds the criticisms and taps into her talent for crafting unfiltered pop hits.
In an era where authenticity is key, Perry might find success if she drops any attempts at forced relevance and focuses on what she does best: creating unapologetic, feel-good music that connects with audiences emotionally. Whether she addresses the controversy surrounding her choice to work with Dr Luke remains to be seen, but if Perry can harness her self-reflective side and realign with the times, she may yet stage another comeback—just on different terms.
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