Like just about everyone else during the summer of 2008, I heard and ultimately learned the lyrics to Katy Perry’s hit song “I Kissed A Girl”. That song was inescapable, but in a good way. My brother even had it as his ringtone for a while. It wasn’t until last summer, though, when “Teenage Dream” was released, that I found myself becoming a Katy Perry Fan. I bought both albums, listened to the music constantly, and waited patiently (okay, not that patiently) for her North American Tour dates to be announced. When I found out she was coming to Utah, I immediately knew I had to go.
Sitting in Energy Solutions Arena Monday night with the smell of cotton candy wafting through the stadium, I knew the show would be quite a spectacle. I had scanned Youtube videos from previous shows and knew a little about the storyline and concept of the California Dreams Tour. The Candyland themed stage set was full of color and detail. The energy in the room before Katy came on was almost tangible and reached an uncanny level as the video montage began and started the concert.
Perry didn’t disappoint the packed arena consisting of preteens, college girls, and a good dusting of gay guys. She kept the energy pounding with songs like “Teenage Dream” (her opening song), “Waking Up in Vegas”, “Firework” and “California Gurls” (her encore). The power energy jams bookended the two hour set, thrilling the screaming crowd.
Of course she sang her break-through hit “I Kissed a Girl” but not before calling a shirtless guy on stage to be her Salt Lake boyfriend. With a hand over his heart she playfully teased him about how fast his pulse was. She granted him the opportunity to kiss her cheek before saying he better run because her husband (actor Russell Brand) was in the building.
For all the sass and sex appeal, Perry has a rather tender side which she displayed during numbers “Not Like the Movies” and “Thinking of You”, the later performed while she floated over the crowd on a pink cotton candy cloud. It was during these slower, stripped away songs that Perry’s vocal capabilities were displayed. Turns out the girl REALLY can sing.
Between the slow love ballads, a self proclaimed “goofball”, Perry decided to have a bit of fun and perform a bit of “Katy Karaoke” as she called it. Following short covers of Rihanna’s “Only Girl”, Rebecca Blacks “Friday” and Willow Smith’s “I Whip my Hair”, she let her gospel roots shine as she belted out a few runs and trills. While they weren’t as big or powerful as Christina’s, they were still impressive.
The self empowerment anthem “Firework” was one of the loudest crowd sing-alongs, next to “E.T”. Along with amazing dance moves from her backing dancers, actual fireworks shot from various points around the stage, illuminating the arena, much to the zealous squeals of the already pumped up crowd.
Overall the two hour show was a major sensory overload. There was so much to see and focus on, I almost think I need to see it twice to take everything in. Katy Perry didn’t disappoint her adoring Katy Cat’s (what her fans call themselves) and every minute was worth the $60 bucks I paid for my ticket. I honestly can’t wait until I can see the California Gurl again!
