It’s been just over a week since Katy Perry ventured into space, and it seems she might still be getting adjusted to Earth’s gravity. This was exemplified during the kickoff of her much-anticipated 2025 tour on Wednesday night, where the viral videos showcased a performance that many fans described as lacking in energy and polished choreography. The concert marked the beginning of Perry’s “Lifetimes Tour,” taking place at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City and supporting her recent album, 143, which has received a lukewarm reception since its release in 2024.
In fan-uploaded footage from the concert, it's clear that the show is somewhat conceptual. The narrative revolves around a video game-like story where Perry is depicted as a “half-human, half-machine” battling against an “all-powerful AI” known as the Mainframe. This narrative unfolds through a narrated exposition at the beginning of the show, revealing that the Mainframe has stolen the world’s butterflies, and dogs have abandoned their loyalty to humans in favor of cats. Unfortunately, despite this intriguing storyline, the execution of the stage performance fell short, particularly in the realm of choreography, which is a vital component of any pop concert.
Several moments from the concert have gone viral, with millions of views highlighting the less-than-impressive choreography. One notable scene features Perry wielding a double-sided red lightsaber-like weapon, reminiscent of Darth Maul, as she attempts to fend off her enemies (the “Mainframe”). However, rather than showcasing dynamic choreography, Perry appears to merely trot around the stage, gesturing with the staff. At one point, an enemy grabs the lightsaber, leading to a lackluster tug-of-war that left many fans underwhelmed. As pointed out by Reddit users, even children could have devised a more engaging fight scene.
In another clip, Perry is seen performing choreography that resembles a middle school musical, culminating in a moment where she drops to the ground with her feet in the air. This prompted a humorous (and NSFW) response on Twitter. In light of recent innovative performances, such as Lady Gaga’s Coachella set and the nostalgia-laden Eras Tour by Taylor Swift, Perry’s presentation has been criticized for falling flat. One TikTok commenter humorously suggested that perhaps Perry “should’ve spent less time in space and more in rehearsals.”
Despite the mixed reviews regarding the choreography, the “Lifetimes Tour” is set to continue. After wrapping up the Mexico City shows on May 2nd, Perry will bring her performance to the United States, with tour stops in Houston, Chicago, Las Vegas, and more. Following the US leg, she will also perform in Australia. In July, Perry will return to the US for additional shows in cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia, and New York.
Be sure to get tickets for the “Lifetimes Tour” to experience the show firsthand. Watch the clips from the opening night performance and judge for yourself whether Perry’s choreography meets the high standards set by her contemporaries.
