Sweet Like Candy, Strong Like a Firework: Katy Perry Pops Off in Miami with Rebecca Black Remixing the Past into the Future.

August 23rd, 2025

Miami’s Kaseya Center came alive on Saturday, August 23, in a dazzling celebration of women’s empowerment, LGBTQ+ pride, and pure pop spectacle. Shiny skirts, glittering eyeshadow, and jungle-inspired outfits filled the arena as fans of all ages waited for the arrival of Katy Perry, the quintessential California Gurl and a firework of energy and charisma.

The evening began with an electrifying preshow by Mexican-American singer-songwriter Rebecca Black, who first shot to fame as a teenager in 2011 with her viral hit Friday. Once seen mainly as an internet phenomenon, Black has spent the past decade steadily reinventing herself, evolving into a confident and innovative pop artist. Now touring with her SALVATION album, she has established herself as a bold voice in hyperpop and experimental electronic music, with a strong following in queer and alternative pop communities.

Her set in Miami was a testament to that transformation. Performing tracks such as “American Doll,” “Crumbs,” “Twist the Knife” and a thrilling remix of “Friday,” she delivered with soaring vocals, sleek choreography and an energy that radiated throughout the arena. The audience responded instantly jumping, dancing and letting themselves be carried away by the pulsing beats and neon-soaked visuals. The remix of “Friday” was both nostalgic and futuristic, showing how far she has come as an artist since her teenage debut.

By the time she left the stage, the Miami crowd was fully energized and ready for Katy Perry.

Katy’s entrance was nothing short of cinematic. Rising dramatically from beneath the stage, she emerged into a futuristic, tech-inspired world of lights, screens and dazzling effects. From the very first notes, her vocals soared, stronger and more dynamic than on record! And her troupe of dancers, dressed in bold, futuristic costumes, matched her intensity with precision and passion.

Her outfits throughout the night were as much a part of the spectacle as the music. Always known for her playful, whimsical fashion, she delivered creativity at every turn. One of the crowd-favorites was her candy-themed look: a vibrant costume featuring candy-shaped embellishments across her chest, paired with oversized cotton candy boots. It was campy, colorful and quintessentially Katy Perry, perfectly capturing her ability to fuse humor, fantasy and style into unforgettable stage moments.

Katy Perry performs during The Lifetimes Tour @ Miami’s Kaseya Center on 8/23/25. Photo by Detiko Cox

The production reached new heights, quite literally, when Perry performed “Roar” while flying above the crowd atop a massive butterfly. It was a breathtaking moment, symbolic of her larger-than-life persona and a perfect embodiment of the song’s triumphant spirit.

Her setlist offered a thoughtful balance between new and old. Songs from her latest album 143, including “Artificial” and “Woman’s World,” may not have set the charts ablaze, but they slotted seamlessly between career-defining hits like “Teenage Dream,” “Dark Horse,” “I Kissed a Girl,”and “California Gurls.” The newer material gave the show fresh energy, while the classics ensured the arena erupted in massive singalongs.

Throughout the evening, Perry’s connection with her fans was as powerful as the visuals. She grabbed a fan’s phone to share a lighthearted moment, invited audience members on stage to sing and dance alongside her, and even allowed the crowd to vote on which song she would perform next. These spontaneous interactions underscored her playfulness, warmth and deep bond with her audience.

By the end, “Firework” lit up the arena in a dazzling finale, bringing together everything that made the evening extraordinary: striking visuals, powerhouse vocals, inventive fashion and a jubilant crowd united in celebration.

Ultimately, the concert became just as much a statement as it was a performance. With Rebecca Black’s powerful preshow showcasing her evolution from viral teen star to festival and Pride headliner, paired with Katy Perry’s flawless showmanship, bold style and extravagant production, the night was an unforgettable showcase of women’s power, artistry and pride.