Although Katy Perry is best-known for frothy, off-the-walls pop music, the Billboard Hot 100 topper opened her Thursday (Jan. 30) night mini-set during the FireAid LA Benefit Concert with a very different type of energy.
Backed by a somber choir providing harrowing backup vocals, Perry belted out her resilience anthem “Rise,” a hit song featured in coverage of the 2016 Summer Olympics, while haunting images of the devastation from the recent Los Angeles wildfires played on the screen behind her.
“California, we always rise. And we always roar, don’t we?” Perry asked after the powerful performance. And with that, she kicked the energy into overdrive, singing her Hot 100 No. 1 “Roar,” copping a Rosie the Riveter pose at one point and letting the audience join in on the chorus.
“Can we keep this energy going forever?” she asked. “I’ve been so inspired by how quickly our community organized to help those in need. It reminds me that people have the power.”
Before leaving the stage, Perry sang what was an absolutely essential track for the night. “California, you are such a unique state, and I am so proud. Are you so proud to be a California girl?” she asked before jumping into “California Gurls,” which she performed while waving the California state flag and bounding back and forth on the stage.
Proceeds from the FireAid LA Benefit Concert go toward rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles and aid to displaced families.
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