Katy Perry’s AI Dystopia: A Berlin Spectacle

After an eight-year absence, pop superstar Katy Perry returned to Berlin on Tuesday, bringing her “The Lifetimes Tour” to the Uber Arena. She delivered an extravagant show for all the senses, though it raises the question: is the 2010s pop icon ready for the new decade, and will Artificial Intelligence be the key?

A Dystopian Virtual World

The concert began precisely at 9 p.m. with a video clip establishing the evening’s theme. On-screen, AI-controlled machines and drones have taken over the world, showing cyber-cities and data streams. Perry’s alter-ego, KP143—half human, half machine—is trapped in this video game world, tasked with saving it by freeing butterflies and collecting hearts to unlock new powers. Her opponent is ‘Mainframe’, the cyber-world’s puppet master. Perry made her entrance floating in a metal cage as a robotic figure for the new song “Artificial”, her euphoric electro-pop acting as a neon glimmer of hope against the digital dystopia.

An Infinity of Spectacle

Dressed in long black hair and a tight metallic bodysuit, Perry traversed the stage, which was designed as an infinity symbol (a horizontal figure-eight). The show was a multi-dimensional spectacle. Perry gave her all, ascending to acrobatic heights, dancing, and swinging on ropes through the arena—at one point executing eight consecutive backflips before disappearing beneath the stage for one of many costume changes. These ranged from the glittering bodysuit to a playful, tropical dress made of green leaves. In true Katy Perry-kitsch style, she later floated over the crowd on a giant butterfly while singing her 2013 mega-hit “Roar”.

Nostalgia Trumps New Material

The audience consisted largely of Millennials in their thirties, who witnessed Perry’s initial rise in 2008, alongside some younger fans. The atmosphere in the arena truly ignited with the hit “Dark Horse”. As Perry performed her classic pop anthems “California Girls”, “Hot’n’Cold”, and “I Kissed a Girl”, the crowd’s joy was palpable, a perfect nostalgic trip into a pink fantasy world. Her new songs remain in the same bubblegum-pop style—some catchy, others forgettable. Nothing felt surprising; the sound was described as akin to electronic background music for a Sunday brunch. Nonetheless, the pop hymns transitioned seamlessly, like a DJ set, creating non-stop euphoria.

Personal Turmoil and Fan Connection

This tour follows a difficult period for Perry. Her seventh studio album, “143” (2024), flopped. She faced strong criticism for her collaboration with controversial producer Dr. Luke, and the pseudo-feminism and “meaningless lyrics” of the single “Woman’s World” were also panned. Compounding this, her surprise separation from long-term partner Orlando Bloom made headlines this summer—all whilst she performs new songs on tour like “I’m his, he’s mine” about their eternal love. Oh dear. (Recent photos with ex-PM Trudeau also sparked romance rumours).

Perhaps the close contact with her fans is what she needs. She thanked them, saying, “Thank you for reminding me again tonight, that no matter what the internet says, this is what’s real.”

A Personal Touch and Technical Hitches

The 40-year-old actively sought connection, a rarity for stars of her calibre. She recognized long-time fans in the audience, listened to song requests, and scanned the venue for unique outfits, even pulling four lucky fans onto the stage for hugs. As glowing pink and white hearts fell from the ceiling, recalling the video game mission, a bonus round was announced: the audience could vote for the next song via QR code. However, the interactive element fell flat due to technical difficulties, as there was no mobile reception in the arena.