Katy Perry has faced a wave of criticism following her performance at the opening ceremony of the World Cup 2026, with many fans unimpressed by both her outfit and song choice.
Lampshade Dress Sparks Mockery
The 41-year-old pop star took to the stage in a dazzling silver gown, reportedly designed by British designer Stella McCartney. However, the dress was quickly likened to a lampshade by social media users. One fan joked on X: 'Katy Perry singing whilst wearing a lamp from B&M.' Another quipped: 'Where can you get the lampshade Katy Perry is wearing? Asking for a friend.' A third commented: 'Katy Perry is wearing a lampshade around her waist,' while a fourth suggested it looked more like 'those silver party curtains.'
Another viewer claimed the outfit was 'hurting her eyes,' writing: 'I try not to be one of those catty women who critique other women's fashion choices, but the beautiful Katy Perry is performing at the USA vs Paraguay match dressed like a tinsel wind chime and it's hurting my eyes.' A fifth added: 'Is she auditioning for the role of human lampshade? That outfit is giving full abstract lighting fixture vibes, practical for illuminating the stage, but honey, we need to talk about functionality vs. fashion! Who approved this glow-up?'
Performance Disappoints Fans
Katy performed alongside 10-year-old Norwegian musician Tius Luka, singing only one little-known song called 'Wonder' instead of her biggest hits like 'Firework' or 'Roar.' This left many fans disappointed. One commented: 'Out of every song Katy could've performed she really picked one of the worst songs from her worst album.'
However, some supporters defended her. One fan said: 'The way Katy Perry could sing one of her many hits but she chose this song because she wanted to give the kid this huge opportunity… this is so sweet.' Another praised: 'Katy Perry you shined!'
At the end of the performance, Katy picked up Tius and tried to give him a high five, but he ran off instead, leaving her hanging. The moment did not go unnoticed, with one fan saying: 'Not the kid rejecting a high five with Katy Perry!' Another wrote: 'I would KILL to be him omg,' while a third added: 'The kid doesn't know, he might be so nervous and just want to get out of the crowd. It's fine.'
Justin Trudeau Also Faces Backlash
Katy's boyfriend, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, also came under fire for supporting her at the USA vs Paraguay match instead of attending Canada's first game against Bosnia, which ended in a 1-1 draw. One fan said: 'Justin Trudeau at the USA game with Katy Perry instead of the Canada game earlier today, holy fraud.' Another wrote: 'Trudeau decided to be at this game instead of the Canada game. He might be in love with Katy Perry.'
Katy has previously referred to Trudeau as 'the love of my life' after just over a year of dating. The couple went public in October 2025 after more than three months together. Katy was previously engaged to actor Orlando Bloom, with whom she shares five-year-old daughter Daisy Dove. Trudeau, 54, split from his wife of 18 years, Sophie Trudeau, in 2023.
