Superstar spectacle

Superstar spectacle

When it comes to concerts, no one pulls out all the stops like US singer Katy Perry.

A typical gig is often a wild costume party and an outrageous, full-scale carnival rolled into one.

Her current Prismatic World Tour, in support of her 2013 album Prism, is no different, boasting crazy, flashy costumes by fashion labels such as Moschino, Valentino and Roberto Cavalli.

The impressive props are also show-stealers.

Perry, 30, will return to Singapore for the third time for a concert next month after performing at the Formula One SingTel Grand Prix in 2012 and SingFest in 2010. She has held more than 120 shows in Europe, North America and Australia as part of her tour since it kicked off in May last year.

POPULAR

According to concert industry publication Pollstar, the Prismatic World Tour was the fourth best-selling in the world in 2014, with gross revenue of US$153 million (S$210 million) and over 1.4 million attendees.

But for fans in Asia as well as South and North America who are eagerly anticipating it, US entertainment TV network Epix released a concert special called Katy Perry: The Prismatic World Tour on March 28, via its various platforms.

In a promotional Q&A session with host Mario Lopez, Perry said: "I am due for a nap but am extremely proud (of this tour)."

She added in a press release: "If you thought the 12½ minutes at the Super Bowl were a feast for the eyes, imagine what you'll get in this two-hour show!"

It features Perry's vibrant two-hour gig during her stop in Sydney last year, and you can expect to be awed by similar theatrics at her Singapore show.

We preview here the sartorial highlights of the various themes - Prismatic, Egyptian, Cat-oure and Hyper Neon...

PRISMATIC

No prizes for guessing the inspiration behind the costumes and set in this segment.

Everything lights up and gleams, from Perry's Roberto Cavalli mirrored leather skirt and crop top to the neon lights on a triangular structure that serves as her backdrop.

She also includes some cardio exercise by running on a 15m-long treadmill at full speed.

Talk about singing her heart out!

EGYPTIAN

It's not enough that Perry transforms into a modern-day Cleopatra, a la her Dark Horse music video, in a lilac Egyptian princess dress.

Designed by Sicily-born designer Fausto Puglisi, it comprises a hand-embroidered leotard, a hand-embellished collar and an ornate purple and gold skirt.

To complete the elaborate get-up, Perry sits atop a golden mechanical horse like a warrior queen, propped up by her dancers.

The Egyptian theme accompanies her performance of hits like Dark Horse, E.T. and I Kissed A Girl. Strangely, mummies with oversized boobs and bums also make an entrance.

CAT-OURE

KatyCats, Perry's feline obsession shouldn't come as a surprise - even her iPhone cover is constructed like a cat, complete with whiskers and cat ears.

So it makes sense to include a cat-themed segment as part of her show.

The result? Purr-fectly a-meow-zing!

Clad in a bright pink leopard-printed latex catsuit by New York City fashion designers The Blonds, "Kitty Purry" appears on top of a giant ball of yarn with knitting needles in it.

Even her dancers transform into prowling cats on stage, all dressed in various elaborate cat costumes of their own.

Fans will see Perry - who performs Hot N Cold during this segment - executing a "trust fall" before her dancers catch her.

HYPER NEON

Expect an explosion of bright and happy colours in this one.

Performing Teenage Dream, California Gurls and Birthday, Perry will sport two blinding outfits.

First, she appears in a neon green bra top-and-skirt combo, complete with matching green hair, before changing into her "birthday suit".

The words "Happy Birthday" are emblazoned on the quirky skin-coloured bodysuit which sees every square inch covered with glittery candles, lightning marks, a bow, smiley faces and a frosted cake.

The icing on the cake? Perry will sail across the audience on safety wires while gripping colourful balloons.

If your birthday falls on her date with Singapore on May 11, keep your fingers crossed - you might just get invited on stage.

FYI

WHAT: KATY PERRY - THE PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR

WHEN: May 11, 8pm

WHERE: Singapore Indoor Stadium

TICKETS: $128, $188, $228, $248 and $328 from Sports Hub Tix

(www.sportshub.com.sg/sportshubtix)

ashikinr@sph.com.sg


This article was first published on April 15, 2015.
Get The New Paper for more stories.

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.