Katy Perry was ready to roar at the 2024 AFL Grand Final, wrapping up her high-energy set with a fireworks finale. 

Hot off her new album, 143, Perry presented a tight 15-minute set during the pre-match show, blending hits with new tracks. Sunny weather drew large crowds to the MCG for her much-anticipated debut, fuelled by a leaked setlist and speculation about surprise guests.

Emerging in style, Perry rolled in on what resembled a futuristic silver car, opening with her anthem “Roar”—a track that clearly favoured the Brisbane Lions over the Sydney Swans.

She smoothly transitioned into her 2013 hit “Dark Horse,” supported by a troupe of backup dancers clad in vibrant orange.

The stage included a large glossy silver sphere reflecting sunlight, creating a striking visual effect, while viewers at home saw CGI orange hearts and what resembled a black hole beaming onto their screens.

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“Australia, you’re looking gorgeous tonight!” she shouted before launching into “Gorgeous,” a new track from 143.

Next came the breezy “California Gurls,” and the dreamy “Teenage Dream,” complete with silver balloons and a cascade of orange smoke flooding the field. Perry was elevated into the sky on a pole to finish the song.

She kicked off “I Kissed a Girl,” welcoming Tina Arena to the stage for a spirited duet, followed by “Chains.” Another new track, “Lifetimes,” led into the grand finale with “Firework,” featuring pyrotechnics shooting into the sky to the approval of the crowd.

“Have a great time tonight. I love you Australia!,” she concluded.

And this won’t be the last time Aussie audiences see the US pop star; she recently announced a massive arena tour of Australia for 2025.

The pop superstar will play shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth next June (see full dates here).

The tour announcement comes during a big month for Perry.

Perry released her new album, 143, which signals a stunning reinvention for the artist. 143 showcases Perry as a fierce alt-pop artist akin to Charli XCX, a total transformation from her earlier career. 

“I set out to create a bold, exuberant, celebratory dance-pop album with the symbolic 143 numerical expression of love as a throughline message,” Perry said of her album in a statement.

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