Pop star plays three-song set on a makeshift beach in the middle of New York. By James Montgomery Katy Perry performs in Times Square on Tuesday Photo: MTV News Much as she did at her listening party on Monday, Katy Perry turned Times Square into a beachy oasis on Tuesday (June 15) — well, more specifically, the folks at Volkswagen did, but who better to perform at an impromptu bikini blast than the singer of this summer’s first official anthem. Perry took to the stage at the Crossroads of the World, which had been transformed into a sand-filled vista in honor of the launch of the 2011 VW Jetta, and ripped through a taut three-song set that featured plenty of neon, some palm trees and, of course, her biggest hits. Dressed in a skintight, neon-green dress (with pink palm trees), her hair pulled back in a pony tail (no blue wig on this day), Perry first pogo’d through “I Kissed A Girl,” thrusting her fists into the air, with her Day-Glo backing band (in electric shirts, skinny white ties, Ray-Ban shades) bobbing and weaving behind her. “I’m Katy Perry, and this one is just because it’s hot,” she announced — to much “woo!”-ing — as she launched into “Hot N Cold,” which was still just as shiny and over-the-top as it was last year. She prowled the stage and pointed to revelers in the crowd (a feat much tougher than it would seem, considering there was a brand-new Jetta parked between her and the audience). The tune got the onlookers moving and, hoping to build on that momentum, Perry segued into her current single, “California Gurls,” though not before delivering a little speech that made it very clear that despite her West Coast pride, yes, she still does love New York City very much. “This is the first time I’ve sang this song not on a TV show, and I’m a little scared because I’m in New York City,” she laughed (conveniently forgetting that she’d performed the song for ad execs and TV journalists at the CW Upfront event in the city last month). “I love it here, but where are you going when it gets real icy cold, and you can’t walk without your snot freezing? California!” Then the robo-chords kicked in, and the song was off and running, as she nailed the harmonies and strutted confidently. Sure, the VW suits probably weren’t too happy with the “Freak in my Jeep” line, but they had to be thrilled with the way Perry chose to end her set: standing on the hood of a Jetta, waving her hands in the air and leading the crowd in a sing-along of the chorus. And she did it all barefoot. No matter what she may claim in “California Gurls,” stiletto heels are not acceptable footwear for the beach … not even a beach in Times Square. Related Artists Katy Perry
See more here:
Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’ Takes Over Times Square
