We all love Katy Perry, from “I Kissed a Girl” to “ET feat. Kanye West” and “TGIF.” A lot has changed in a few years, from her first 2001 album, “Katy Hudson,” to her most recent album, “Prism” (2013)! So let’s rewind. It’s 2008. Facebook’s still fun, everyone’s obsessed with Twilight, and a quirky California girl with cherry chapstick on her lips just kissed a girl—and liked it.
“If you want me, it takes more than a wink, more than a drink and more than you think. If you desire me, you will need to invest a significant amount of money tonight. Some may find my patience lacking, while others may perceive me as demanding. But you have to pay the bill because that’s the deal.”
If You Can Afford Me, “One Of The Boys” (2008) Album
2008: The Rise of a New Pop Icon
Katy Perry burst onto the scene like she’d been shot out of a confetti cannon. With jet-black hair, retro pin-up outfits, and a voice that could ping-pong between sweetness and sass, she was different from the pop queens of the time. “I Kissed a Girl” dominated airwaves, stirred controversy, and, most importantly, introduced the world to Perry’s playful provocation.
HHowever, Katy’s success was not limited to a single hit. The “Hot N Cold,” “Waking Up in Vegas,” and, of course, “If You Can Afford Me”—a flirty anthem of empowerment that warned potential suitors they’d need more than just charm to win her over—were among the other “bangers” from the One of the Boys album. It was a feminist hit before it became fashionable.
Could you hear that voice? Unmistakable. Quirky. Bold. Unapologetically Katy.
My £8 Katy Moment (Yes, Eight!)
Let’s get personal. Picture London, 2008. I surprised a friend—a mega Katy fan—with tickets to see her live. Price? Just £8. Can you even imagine? It would only cost a fiver and some change to see a soon-to-be global superstar up close and personal in a tiny venue near King’s Cross.
Opening act? 3OH! 3 – Remember “Don’t Trust Me”? Absolute chaos. But then Katy walked on, electric and full of sass, cracking jokes and chatting with the crowd like we were all mates at a house party. It didn’t feel like a gig. It felt like a music-fueled hangout with the coolest girl in pop. It remains one of the most memorable concerts I’ve ever attended. And yes, I’ve still got the blurry iPhone photos to prove it!
When I saw her in London in 2008, let’s rewind to before she entered the stage. It was 3OH3.
From Pin-Up to Prism: The Glow-Up
Katy didn’t fade away like many others from the 2008 era. She exploded. Her 2010 album Teenage Dream was pure pop gold. California Gurls, Firework, E.T., Last Friday Night—hit after hit after hit. Every song was a vibe, a soundtrack to weekend parties and heartbreaks alike.
Then came Prism in 2013. Prism was He may be a little older and wiser, yet he still exudes glitter and heart. Tracks like Roar and Unconditionally showed growth, vulnerability, and a lot of soul. The album wasn’t just Katy being fun; this was Katy being fierce.
AAnd yet, through all the chart-topping hits and world tours, she has remained authentically herself. Whether she’s dressed as a hamburger at the Met Gala or judging American Idol with rainbow hair, she’s never shied away from being extra—and we greatly enjoy her for it.
The O2 and Beyond: Stadium Status
FNow, Katy has transitioned from indie venues to global stages. The £8 tickets are no longer available. NowThese days, tickets cost around £55 just to stand at the back of the O2 arena (and that’s on a good day). BBut she’s earned it. She gives you a show—dancers, costumes, floating planets, and a giant lion she rode in on (yes, she did that at the Super Bowl).
She is a brand and a phenomenon, creating a pop culture moment every time she enters a room.
What We Love About Katy
More than her hits, what’s made Katy Perry stick is her realness. Through breakups, breakdowns, drama, and reinventions, she’s always been refreshingly honest. She talks about her mental health. She shows up vulnerable. She laughs at herself. She’s relatable, even when she’s wearing LED angel wings.
KAty doesn’t simply put on a costume. She makes it. And somehow, behind the glitter and lashes, she always brings a heart. That’s why we love her.
Who’s Next?
Looking back, Katy’s journey reminds us that anything is possible. One minute you’re singing about kissing girls in a dive bar gig in London. The next, you’re headlining Coachella, collaborating with icons, and raising a baby girl with Orlando Bloom.
It also proves this: you never know who’s about to make it big. The next Katy could be gigging at a bar down your street or uploading homemade videos to TikTok right now. So go to that gig. Support that rising star. Trust your gut, not the gossip.
As Katy once said, “You just have to ignite the light and let it shine.”
