Fashion
Superbowl Halftime Headliner Katy Perry's Best Live Fashion Moments — From Elvis Presley To Rocky Balboa
Super Bowl Halftime headliner Katy Perry loves a good theme. Whether it's in music videos with view counts in the hundreds of millions or on the red carpet of some of the biggest events in the entertainment industry, Perry pays attention to every minute detail of her ensemble. The California girl tells a sometimes kitschy but always fun story through each outfit she wears, in turn demonstrating a passion for fashion that doesn't take itself too seriously. She isn't afraid to dye her hair pink, blue, or green; she doesn't cower in the face of hot pink sequins; and she voluntarily dressed up as a Cheeto (winning Halloween 2014 in the process).
Unsurprisingly, such an attitude carries on into her live performances, which is why her imminent Super Bowl performance proves so exciting. Perry is clearly having a blast on stage, and her outfits are always part of the fun. Thanks in large part to designers like Jeremy Scott and stylist Johnny Wujeck, Katy allows her fashion imagination to take control, in the process creating three-to-four minute celebrations with every live song. Sure, her stage outfits are always a bit outlandish, but somehow they only ever add to her performance — she's the hostess of the party and her looks never disappoint.
"Dark Horse" At The 2014 Brit Awards
Putting a spin on the “Dark Horse” video, at the 2014 Brit Awards Perry danced like an ancient Egyptian if that Egyptian decided to hit up a basement black light party. Not that it really needs it, but the entire performance gets a boost from the electric shock of the neon of her look, which runs through not only her leotard, but her hair, and even her microphone as well. Plus, extra points for the killer dancer ensembles, glowing props, and lasers.
"Firework" At The 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Many of Perry’s live performance looks are always quite literal. Be it with the sparkling headpiece, or the shimmering bodice adorned with a significant pouf, at this 2010 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, it’s safe to say she tries to invoke the fireworks she’s singing about. Written down, such an outfit seems ridiculous, but in classic Katy Perry fashion, she doesn’t just pull it off, she kills it.
"Roar" At The 2013 VMAs
While the 2013 VMAs may always be remembered for more attention grabbing moments, Perry’s rendition of “Roar” in a boxing ring underneath the Brooklyn Bridge shouldn’t be overlooked. The lighthearted performance yet again demonstrates how the singer can take a theme a run with it — from the high-waisted shorts and tiger-print sports bra to the knee-high tube socks and wrist wraps, Perry take full advantage of the decision to make the show a boxing match.
"E.T./Part of Me" At The 2012 Grammy Awards
Blue-haired Katy Perry is a fierce Katy Perry, and this Grammy medley certainly proves it. Perfectly melding the supernatural and superhuman themes of each song, Katy’s starship warrior outfit definitely adds an extra element to her performance — as does the blue, crimped (!) hair.
"California Gurls" At The 2010 Grammy Nominations Concertim
For a full tutorial on what it means to be a “California Gurl,” it serves one best to check out Perry’s music video, with all of its cotton candy clouds, daisy dukes, and whipped cream-spraying bikinis on top. But, this live look — while it might not be the most extreme — certainly gives the performance a distinctly Katy Perry feel. In a dress seemingly made from tin foil and with a headpiece that could easily top a Christmas tree, Perry definitely still shines.
"Waking Up In Vegas" On American Idol
A common theme in all of Perry’s live performance looks seems to be a penchant for leotards, which certainly makes sense, as they presumably are the most functional when it comes to actually performing. Even so, Perry still adds unique touches to everything, as evident with this oh-so-witty Elvis-inspired number for “Waking Up in Vegas.”
Image: FOX
"Roar" At The White House In 2014
Perhaps because all the flash and humor prove so intrinsic to a Katy Perry performance, the moments when she sets aside all the excess are all the more stunning. Take this White House concert in 2014, when Katy performed in a long-sleeve, floor-length blue evening dress, her hair slicked back into a modest pompadour of sorts and her bold lipstick game on point. Channeling a 1950s lounge singer, Katy transports us to her own world with this performance look — she still shocks, but this time she uses an elegant and effortless simplicity to do so.
"Part Of Me" At The 'Part of Me 3D' Premiere
Not too many people can pull off a crop to made from film reels and a skirt adorned with giant pieces of popcorn, but not many people have the chance to perform at their own 3D film premiere. Here, Perry takes full advantage of such a rare situation, pushing the whole night-at-the-movies thing to its whimsical limit and (of course) still looks gorgeous doing so.
"E.T." On American Idol
Once again, Katy Perry makes the most of a good theme. Brining the ”E.T.” video to life, Perry’s performance outfit — a stunning sliver jumpsuit topped off with an alien headpiece and some extraterrestrial makeup — not only sparkles and shimmers, but it actually lights up. Clearly, she loves to shine.
Image: FOX
"Teenage Dream" On 'The Today Show'
A classic Katy Perry look for a classic Katy Perry song. Performing ”Teenage Dream” at the Today Show back in 2010, Perry brightens up the stage with this sparkling, pink bubble gum look, most memorable because it immortalizes old-school, Teenage Dream-era Perry style.
Images: NBC
"Arrow" At CMT Crossroads With Kacey Musgraves
Joining country star (and Prismatic Tour supporting act) Kacey Musgraves on stage for a collaborative CMT Crossroads performance, a green-haired Perry dresses perfectly for the occasion, putting her twist on a Nashville-esque ensemble. With a classical sparkling top offset by a purple plastic bottom, Perry’s outfit doesn’t forego any of her trademark quirk, but still nonetheless fits in seamlessly with Musgraves and the county surroundings.
