Katy Perry reflects on a rollercoaster year as she marks the first anniversary of 143

Katy Perry used an Instagram post on Monday to reflect on what she called a rollercoaster year, marking the first anniversary of her album 143 and addressing fans she lovingly refers to as KatyCats. In a lengthy note, the pop star described the past year as a period of both wins and losses, and she spoke directly to her audience about being beloved, tested and tried over nearly two decades in the spotlight. The message came as Perry has faced a complex mix of professional and personal pressures, including the delayed reception to 143 and a high-profile breakup.

143, released in September 2024, was anticipated as a major pop comeback for the Teenage Dream singer. Instead, its rollout was marred by controversy when it emerged that Dr. Luke, a producer associated with past legal disputes in the pop world, was involved in the project. The album’s lead single, Woman’s World, largely failed to crack the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Metacritic placed 143 as one of its lowest-scoring albums in 13 years at debut. Perry described the project in her post as a way of saying “I love you” to her fans and noted that the era brought her closer to her audience through the Lifetimes Tour that accompanied the record.

In addition to the album backlash, Perry faced public scrutiny over a high-profile space trip she joined in April as part of an all-female Blue Origin mission alongside Lauren Sanchez. Weeks later, she embarked on her Lifetimes Tour and drew criticism for what some observers called her on-stage “mom moves.” The public-facing strain of her year intensified in July when it was confirmed that her six-year engagement to Orlando Bloom had ended. The couple share daughter Daisy Dove, who is five years old.

Throughout the post, Perry emphasized the twin sides of fame—beloved and tested—and said she was blessed to recognize how both sides have shaped her career. “Through my years in the spotlight, I have been beloved, tested and tried. That’s the journey,” she wrote, adding that there are “two sides to each coin,” and that she remains grateful for the opportunities and the lessons learned as she keeps moving forward. She also reflected on the ongoing journey with her fans and the tour, noting that the experience has helped her stay connected with people who see themselves in her music.

She thanked her fans for their continued support and explained that she was not forcing or controlling what comes next, opting instead to trust “the angels, the fans, and the music” to guide her. In a line that resonated with many followers, she referenced a 19th-century book titled What Katy Did Next, suggesting she will keep moving forward and dreaming, regardless of the challenges faced along the way. Perry wrote, “Whatever comes next, I’m letting it unfold naturally.”

In the social media thread that followed, the Grammy nominee also shared that she has been pondering whether she truly loves herself, but concluded that she does “today.” She described being “proud of where and how I have landed in this moment,” and she celebrated the ongoing South American leg of her tour, which wrapped up a key section of the Lifetimes run. The post also included a slideshow of behind-the-scenes moments from the past year, including scenes from the 143 era and the tour.

Reaction to the post was mixed in the entertainment world. Some colleagues and fans praised Perry’s vulnerability and resilience, while others were reminded of the year’s heavy public scrutiny. Several industry peers offered messages of support for her honesty and perseverance as she navigates personal and professional changes. The public response underscored Perry’s continued influence and the loyalty of her fan base, even as she confronted difficult conversations about past collaborators and the pressure of maintaining a high-profile career in music.

The broader arc of the year also included public remarks from Orlando Bloom about co-parenting and moving forward with love for their daughter. Bloom spoke on the Today show about navigating the changes in their relationship, telling viewers that he and Perry remain focused on Daisy and their family, and expressing gratitude for the experiences they shared. He described their situation as “great” and emphasized a constructive approach to parenting amid their split, further illustrating how the two have balanced public interest with private family concerns. The evolving dynamic between Perry and Bloom has continued to shape media coverage as fans watch to see how Perry’s career—and her relationship with Bloom—will unfold in the coming months.