The first time I heard Katy Perry I thought she was a joke. I heard an advanced copy of her record and the first song I heard was “You’re so Gay”. Turns out the joke is on me. Katy Perry simultaneously became a star as my faith in the general public was shaken. Surely something without any redeeming artistic quality wouldn’t catch on. I was wrong. With her first official single, Perry became an overnight sensation, and even managed to stir up a bit of controversy. But once the dust settled from the “I Kissed a Girl” craze certain facts remained: Perry had a hit single, she was selling out her concerts, and her image seemed to be everywhere. Then she accomplished another feat that I surely didn’t see coming, another hit single. Not content to fade into obscurity so soon, Perry kept the hit parade going and continuing to stay in the spot light. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out why the general masses were in love with her. Then I had the realization, her music is fun.

Typically I absolutely hate novelty songs and novelty entertainers. Why waste time and money on something that completely lacks any sort of  artistic merit? The answer is rather simple: because it is fun. Until I saw Katy Perry last Sunday at the Verizon Wireless Theater I was completely oblivious to this. Katy Perry shows are an excuse for people of all ages to get out of the house, dress in silly outfits, and have fun.

I have had a long standing love affair with pop music, when it is done right. I still don’t think that Perry’s music is pop done correctly, but the package of Katy Perry is done perfectly. She is a very attractive girl who sings fun songs. And I have no problem with anyone who plays that role to have a career in entertainment.

Enough of my rant, on with the review of her performance. Katy Perry finally took the stage in Houston after two canceled shows, and she did her best to apologize to her fans in Houston by performing her heart out. From the moment she ran on the stage, she was full of energy, bouncing around while singing to her audience, and they sang right back to her. Her stage was set up with a picket fence, lawn ornaments (including pink flamingos) and a backing band of men in shiny pinks suits.  She even played guitar on stage, though looking rather unconfident while playing it. That aside, she never stopped entertaining her hordes of fans. She even pulled a couple on stage during the third song.

Unfortunately I did not stick around for the entire show. Up until leaving for the show I had not left my bed due to illness for a couple of days. But leaving the show I finally understood the appeal of Katy Perry. She is fun, and that is really all there is to it.