Katy Perry just gave fans a moment they’ll never forget.
At the kickoff of her much-anticipated Lifetime Tour last night, the pop superstar shocked the crowd by performing ‘Not Like the Movies’ — a fan-favorite ballad she hasn’t sung live in over 13 years. The emotional performance happened at the opening show in Los Angeles, and fans were left stunned, cheering and crying as Perry took the stage alone, seated at a piano.
Wearing a sparkling silver gown and surrounded by a dreamy stage setup, Katy’s voice echoed through the arena as she sang the heartfelt lyrics, “If it’s not like the movies, that’s how it should be…” — instantly transporting the audience back to the early 2010s era of Teenage Dream.
Many fans took to social media after the show to share videos and reactions. One emotional fan tweeted, “I never thought I’d hear ‘Not Like the Movies’ live. Thank you, Katy. You made my teenage dream come true.” Another posted, “13 years later and it still hits just as hard.”
Katy Perry herself acknowledged the long gap, saying on stage:
“I wrote this song when I was dreaming about true love. I never thought it would mean so much to so many people… Tonight felt like the right night to bring it back.”
The surprise song wasn’t even on the official setlist, making the moment even more magical. Some fans are now wondering if she’ll continue to perform it at future shows, or if it was a one-time gift for those lucky enough to attend the tour opener.
This unexpected throwback has now gone viral online, with clips racking up millions of views and sparking a wave of nostalgia among KatyCats around the world.
The Lifetime Tour is Katy Perry’s first major tour since her Witness Tour in 2018, and if this emotional kickoff is any sign, fans are in for a powerful ride.
Don’t be surprised if ‘Not Like the Movies’ starts trending on streaming platforms again. One thing’s for sure: Katy Perry still knows how to deliver a moment fans will never forget.