Katy Perry Adelaide review, set list: US popstar hits Entertainment Centre in first of four Lifetimes Tour concerts

Adelaide does not see a spectacle like this every day. See how our reviewer reacted to Katy Perry’s first show on the SA leg of her Lifetimes Tour.

Ruby Stewart

4 min read

June 26, 2025 - 11:42PM

Entertainment

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She’s here!

One of the world’s biggest pop stars, Katy Perry has kicked off the first of four shows on her Lifetimes Tour in Adelaide.

Known for her out-there costumes and impressive sets Perry brought her larger-than-life energy to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for the first time in six years.

All hope seemed lost when Adelaide did not appear as a concert destination in Perry’s original line-up but after a campaign led by The Advertiser and some schmoozing from Premier Peter Malinauskas at the AFL Grand Final, South Aussie fans’ wishes were granted, not once, but four times.

It was a moment that had clearly stuck with the pop singer who called out Mali for forcing her to come to “Radelaide”.

“I was acting real silly (and) pretty foolish when Adelaide wasn’t on the docket to come to the Lifetimes Tour,” Perry said.

“This guy comes up to me and he’s like a big deal and he’s like the premier or something … and he was like you’ve got to play Adelaide.

“So sir the reason I am here is … a. I love my fans and b. because you demanded that I come to Adelaide,” she said while pointing out Mali in the audience.

Katy Perry hits the stage at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Picture: Ben Clark

Despite critics dubbing the tour as “cringe” and Perry’s recent bout of illness sending fans into a panic, the ‘Roar’ singer shook it all off from the moment she ascended her infinity-shaped stage.

She opened with song, ARTIFICIAL from her most recent album – singing while hanging from a series of glowing wires.

“What’s up Adelaide?” was enough to send her fans into overdrive.

While it was not a hit in the Australian charts, diehard KatyCats knew every word, providing Perry with a warm welcome to South Australia.

The tune was followed by power ballad Chained To The Rhythm – which provides a commentary on modern day obsessions with technology set to an ever-catchy … dare I say … rhythm.

The show is split into six different sections with each designed to feel like a new level of an action-packed video game.

Katy Perry on her first night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Picture: Ben Clark

Katy Perry at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Picture: Ben Clark

Perry’s vocal prowess is accompanied by intense choreography, audiovisuals, pyrotechnics and even a touch of acrobatics.

You never really know what she is going to do next as she runs wild around the stage.

From fighting what looks like a tube of ceiling ducting to spinning upside down in a giant metal globe – her performance is like watching a toddler with a sugar-rush at the playground.

On more than one occasion Perry sings from the sky, first from suspended cables and later upon a giant metallic butterfly for an epic finale.

While this description may make it sound like it was all too much, the opposite was true.

It was the kind of wow-factor that, let’s face it, Adelaide does not get to see very often.

As the city constantly snubbed by international headliners, the over-the-top additions to the show were very welcome.

And you only had to listen to the ‘roar’ of Perry’s army of KatyCats to know that they were loving every second.

For fans of my vintage, the ‘Woman’s World’ section of the show was our time to shine.

KATY PERRY at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Picture: Ben Clark

Katy Perry at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Picture: Ben Clark

From Perry’s O.G mega hit – I Kissed A Girl to the song that plays in my head every time I leave the office on a Friday – Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F) – it was time to party.

And boy, did Perry party with us.

Despite the theatrics, Perry still maintains her cheeky, personable nature that fans first connected with all the way back in 2008.

Her clever quips and hilarious jokes allow them to reconnect with what feels like the real Katy Perry.

During the ‘Choose your Own Adventure’ portion of the show when attendees are able to vote live on what song they want the songstress to perform, Perry strips back, singing with a low-key band and speaking directly to her crowd.

She even handed out Caramello Koalas and Tim Tams.

The moment is real and raw but Perry’s superstar persona ever-present with the addition of a giant blue hat and studded red body shirt.

A lucky few were even invited on stage including young dancer, Keegan who stole the show with an epic dance routine.

The mega fan said it was his dream to meet and dance with Perry who was evidently blown away by his performance.

After a high energy nearly three hour show, the finale of ‘Firework’ had the whole centre on their feet.

It was a fitting end to a fabulous production and the best bit is that Adelaide gets to keep the Perry party going for three more nights.