Once one of pop’s biggest names, Katy Perry’s latest album rollout has been met with controversy, failed singles, and a changing music landscape

 Katy Perry, who once dominated the pop charts with hits like “Firework” and “Roar,” is facing a challenging comeback with her seventh album, 143. Her lead single “Woman’s World” failed to resonate with listeners, stalling at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #65 in the UK, a far cry from the chart-topping success she once enjoyed. The follow-up single “Lifetimes” didn’t fare much better, missing the Billboard Hot 100 entirely.

Music critics and fans have questioned Perry’s musical direction and choice of collaborators. Her decision to work again with controversial producer Dr. Luke, despite his long-standing legal battles with singer Kesha, has been seen as a major misstep. Dr. Luke’s history—he was accused by Kesha of sexual and emotional abuse, claims that were eventually settled out of court—made Perry’s feminist message in “Woman’s World” feel contradictory. Critics argue that working with him undercut the empowering theme Perry was aiming for, leading to a wave of negative reactions.

Adding to the controversy, the song’s lyrics have been criticized for being simplistic and out of touch with today’s cultural climate. Perry’s once-ubiquitous brand of motivational anthems now feels dated to some, with music journalist Amy Davidson remarking that fans no longer accept “tokenistic attempts” at addressing serious issues like gender equality. Perry’s nostalgic style, effective in the 2010s, now struggles to connect in a world facing post-pandemic anxieties, economic challenges, and a prevailing sense of cultural cynicism.

Perry’s music video for “Woman’s World” also sparked debate. Scenes where she depicted Rosie the Riveter and a bikini-clad bionic woman were seen as pandering to the male gaze rather than celebrating female empowerment, further alienating fans. Perry’s attempt to deflect criticism by claiming the video was satire was met with scepticism.

Despite these setbacks, Perry remains an influential figure, as seen in her recent win of the Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs, a lifetime achievement prize. However, her struggle to regain chart dominance highlights the difficulty of crafting a successful comeback in today’s fractured and fast-changing music landscape. Critics, including Forbes’ Hugh McIntyre, suggest that Perry’s formulaic approach—aiming to please everyone from teens to their parents—has left her sounding “dated” in an era where authenticity and innovation are more prized than ever.

As younger artists like Charli XCX and Chappell Roan gain attention for their raw, unapologetic lyrics, Perry’s glossy, feel-good pop is struggling to find a foothold. This struggle is compounded by her shifting audience—while Gen X and millennial listeners may still be loyal, younger fans are more likely to discover music through platforms like TikTok and Spotify, where Perry’s sound is not necessarily the most relevant.

Even Perry’s personal life and visuals have faced scrutiny. In August, she found herself under investigation by Spanish authorities for allegedly filming a music video in an ecologically sensitive area without proper permits. While her label insists the correct permits were obtained, the incident has only added to the perception that her comeback campaign has been unusually chaotic.

Analysis:

• Political:
  Perry’s comeback has brought to light the complex dynamics between female empowerment and her choice of collaborators. By working with Dr. Luke, a producer with a highly controversial past, Perry has sparked debate over whether she truly stands by the feminist messages she promotes in her music.
• Social:
  Perry’s struggles reflect the evolving expectations of pop stars in the digital age. The rise of artists who prioritize authenticity, such as Charli XCX and Chappell Roan, has shifted the cultural landscape. Audiences are now less tolerant of what they perceive as superficial or outdated messaging, particularly when it comes to serious social issues like gender equality.
• Economic:
  The failure of Perry’s recent singles to make a significant impact on the charts may have economic consequences, both for her and her record label. In an increasingly competitive and fragmented music industry, high-profile flops can lead to declining revenues from album sales, streaming, and touring opportunities.
• Technological:
  The shift in how younger audiences discover music—through platforms like TikTok and Spotify—poses a challenge for artists like Perry, who once relied on traditional media like radio and TV to promote their music. The fractured media landscape has made it harder for mainstream pop stars to regain relevance with younger demographics.

Gender:
The feminist messaging in Perry’s recent work has been called into question due to her collaboration with Dr. Luke, a controversial figure. This has led to critiques of how female empowerment is represented in mainstream pop music and whether certain choices undermine the broader goals of gender equality.