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Katy Perry electrified the audience at Brazil’s Rock in Rio 2024 during the festival’s second weekend by officially releasing her long-awaited album 143. The pop star took the stage on September 20 at the festival’s renowned Palco Mundo (Main Stage), delivering a performance that captivated over 100,000 attendees.
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This marked Perry’s third appearance at Rock in Rio, having performed twice in Brazil and once in Lisbon. Her latest show featured a completely new setlist and stunning visuals, showcasing both new tracks and fan-favorite classics.
Adding to the excitement, the performance included a surprise collaboration with pop icon Cyndi Lauper, with the two artists joining forces for a rendition of Lauper’s classic 1984 hit, “Time After Time.”
Perry expressed her admiration for Lauper in front of the audience, saying, “I want to sing one of my fave songs, it means so much to me, especially in Brazil.” Perry continued to praise Lauper, stating, “I want to be exactly like you when I grow up, exactly like you… You are so incredible, so connective, so full of life, so full of energy.”
Luis Justo, CEO of Rock in Rio, commented on the importance of Perry’s album launch at the festival: “A global launch by an artist like Katy Perry is a rare opportunity. We not only have the trust of the audience, who show up in large numbers but also of the artists who find Rock in Rio to be the best place to be close to their fans and give them the pinnacle moment of their careers—an exclusive and entirely premium experience.”
Earlier in the week, Perry had already begun the celebrations with an exclusive backstage listening session for her new album on September 18, where she invited select Brazilian fans to experience 143 in full before its official release, personally interacting with them during the event.
Rock in Rio 2024 has attracted numerous high-profile artists, including Ed Sheeran, Travis Scott, and Mariah Carey, establishing itself as one of the leading music festivals worldwide. Perry’s dynamic performance and her surprise duet with Lauper have certainly made it a highlight of this year’s festival.
“Time After Time,” co-written by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman, reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984 and marked a significant milestone in Lauper’s career. This year also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the song’s success, a fitting celebration amid the nostalgia and excitement surrounding the event.
Before “Time After Time,” Lauper’s debut single, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” peaked at No. 2, just shy of the number one spot in March 1984, held back by Van Halen’s “Jump.” “Time After Time” replaced Deniece Williams’ “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” at No. 1 and enjoyed a two-week reign before being succeeded by Duran Duran’s “The Reflex.”
For those interested, Katy Perry’s album 143 is now available for streaming.
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www.billboard.com