Katy Perry Says She Lost Her “Roar” While Teasing New Music at Rock in Rio Lisbon 2026
Katy Perry headlined Rock In Rio Lisbon on July 20, delivering a career-spanning set that included her new song “Watch It Burn” and an emotional reflection on a difficult period in her life.
During the show, Perry wore the same outfit she had worn during her Hello Katy Tour stop in Lisbon back in 2009, creating a full-circle moment for longtime fans.
Perry Opens Up About Losing Her Confidence
Speaking to the crowd, Perry reflected on how much her life and career had changed since that 2009 Lisbon performance. She said she could not have known back then that she would later write “Roar,” perform it for millions around the world, and eventually feel like she had lost her own sense of strength.
She then performed a stripped-down acoustic version of her 2013 hit “Roar,” turning the anthem into a more vulnerable and emotional moment.
Singer Appears to Address Difficult 2025
Perry seemed to reference the wave of negative attention she faced in 2025, including harsh criticism of her 2024 album 143 and public mockery surrounding her participation in the all-female Blue Origin spaceflight.
She told the audience that life moves through different seasons, and sometimes people struggle to get out of bed or find their voice. Perry also reminded fans that hurtful comments can affect celebrities because they are human beings, not machines.
Her message centered on kindness, empathy, and remembering that people may be dealing with struggles others cannot see.
Watch It Burn Signals a Comeback Moment
Perry admitted that her “roar” had faded for a while, but said it was returning as she prepared to release her next single, “Watch It Burn.”
The rock-influenced track is scheduled for release on June 25. Perry performed it live in Lisbon for only the second time, following its debut at O Son do Camiño in Spain on June 18.
The performance included an oversized box of prop matches, matching the fiery theme of the song.
Meaning Behind Watch It Burn
Perry has previously described “Watch It Burn” as a song about allowing herself to feel anger after a difficult year. The lyrics focus on exhaustion, release, and the symbolic act of burning away pain rather than continuing to carry it.
The song appears to mark a more defiant and emotionally direct chapter for Perry as she moves forward from a challenging period.
Rock In Rio Lisboa Continues
Rock In Rio Lisboa continues with another major lineup featuring Linkin Park, Cypress Hill, The Pretty Reckless, Grandson, and Kaiser Chiefs.
Katy Perry’s Rock In Rio Lisbon Setlist
“California Gurls”
“Teenage Dream”
“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”
“Chained to the Rhythm”
“Never Really Over”
“Dark Horse”
“E.T.”
“Part of Me”
“I’M HIS, HE’S MINE”
“Bon appétit”
“bandaids”
“Watch It Burn”
“Heads Will Roll”
“Legendary Lovers”
“The One That Got Away”
“Thinking of You”
“Hot n Cold”
“I Kissed a Girl”
“Harleys in Hawaii”
“ALL THE LOVE”
“LIFETIMES”
“Wide Awake”
“Roar”
“Firework”
Katy Perry’s Rock In Rio Lisbon headline set became more than a festival performance. By revisiting her 2009 Lisbon outfit, performing an acoustic version of “Roar,” and introducing “Watch It Burn” as a symbol of emotional recovery, Perry framed the night as a personal comeback moment after a turbulent 2025.
