Pop superstar Katy Perry is bringing her Lifetimes Tour to the Benchmark International Arena on Friday, marking her first global tour since 2018. She last performed in Tampa in 2017, making this return a long-awaited event for local fans. The concert is one of only a few Florida stops on a tour that spans 84 shows across four continents, giving Tampa a rare opportunity to see Perry live.
The tour highlights Perry’s 2024 album 143, which blends her signature pop sound with personal themes of love and connection. The title, “143”—a numeric code for “I love you”—reflects the album’s new style. Early reviews, including some from USA Today, praise the tour for balancing fresh tracks with her classic hits, offering longtime fans a new perspective on Perry’s artistry.
For many high school students, Perry’s music is tied to childhood memories. Hits like “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Firework” dominated the radio during their elementary school years.
“Yes, I am a fan of Katy Perry,” said Carolyn Murphy, a sophomore. “I cannot go to her concert because I have to attend the football game, but I was planning on buying tickets to go with my friends. A lot of my friends are going, and I wish I were too. I love all her songs, but my favorite song is probably ‘The One That Got Away’ because it is just so fun to sing and so good.”
Grace Gordin, a junior, also commented on the concert despite not being able to attend. “I am a fan of Katy Perry, and I wish I were able to attend her concert,” Gordin said. “Personally, my favorite song by her is ‘California Gurls’ because it always gets me in a good mood.”
A student planning to attend, Madison Barbarine, an 11th grader, said, “I am a huge fan of Katy Perry, and I am lucky to be able to go with my friends this Friday! I do not have a particular favorite song, but her older songs from the album Teenage Dream stick out to me. I am super excited to go and make memories with my friends and see everyone’s outfits.”
Perry’s is one of only two artists to score five No. 1 singles from the same album (Teenage Dream) and has earned five American Music Awards, four Guinness World Records, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fans can expect a mix of tracks from 143, like “Love is the Answer” and “Eternal Sunshine,” alongside her chart-topping classics.
With Friday’s show kicking off the weekend, many students say they view it as a chance to revisit the music that defined their childhood while experiencing Perry’s latest musical direction. Being one of only a few Florida stops makes Tampa a rare opportunity to see this new era live.
As the tour continues, the Lifetimes Tour presents both earlier songs and Perry’s most recent releases. The setlist includes a mix of her past hits and newer tracks from 143. For Tampa residents, the performance provides an opportunity to hear familiar music alongside her latest work.