Katy Perry Sets Off Fireworks During Electrifying ‘Celebrating America’ Performance — Watch

Katy Perry closed out the 'Celebrating America' inaugural special by singing 'Firework' as real-life fireworks exploded over Washington, D.C. The pop star's custom Thom Browne ensemble beautifully reflected the Washington Monument.

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January 20, 2021 11:26PM EST
Katy Perry
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President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff arrive at the steps of the U.S. Capitol for the start of the official inauguration ceremonies, in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Washington, DC - January 20: Ella(C) and Cole Emhoff(R), the son and daughter of Vice President Kamala Harris' husband Doug Emhoff, are directed to their seats during the 59th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times/Polaris) Europa Press 01/20/2021 (Europa Press via AP)
Jennifer Lopez
Image Credit: AP

The Celebrating America inaugural special closed out with an epic fireworks display over Washington, D.C. after Joe Biden and Kamala Harris‘s inauguration on Jan. 20. So, it was only appropriate that the singer of “Firework” was chosen to perform against this pyrotechnics show: Katy Perry! The pop star looked incredible nearly five months after welcoming her first child with Orlando Bloom while singing her 2010 hit, “Firework,” by the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.

The pop star stunned in a custom ensemble from Thom Browne, and the all-white outfit reflected the Washington Monument that served as her performance’s backdrop. The high-fashion look — which featured a cashmere coat, a silk satin corset and floor-length skirt, elbow-length gloves and a creamy train of luxurious fabric — also complemented Katy’s platinum white hair. Buttons covered in red silk satin added a pop of color to Katy’s regal performance costume.

Katy followed on the heels of incredible performances from John Legend, Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons, Demi Lovato, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters, and more. Unlike these performers, though, Katy’s participation in the televised event was announced a bit last-minute.

Katy Perry
A closeup look at Katy Perry’s Thom Browne ensemble, which she wore for her Celebrating America performance on Jan. 20, 2021. (Photo Credit: AP)

On the eve of Inauguration Day, which fell on Jan. 19, the “Roar” singer tweeted a photo of four patriotic microphones: one looked like the Statue of Liberty’s torch; another was embellished with silver stars; the third was bedazzled to look like the United States flag; and the fourth was plain white. Although Katy kept her caption ambiguous, the Presidential Inaugural Committee retweeted the photo, making it clear that she would be joining the inauguration activities.

It’s no surprise to see that Katy was invited, though. Singing at political events isn’t new to Katy, who also performed her hits “Rise” and “Roar” at the 2016 Democratic National Convention to show her support for Hillary Clinton, who at the time was running against Donald Trump. So, Katy was understandably more than happy to sing at an event that also served as a farewell to Trump’s time in office.