Katy Perry Reflects on Rollercoaster Year, Album 143, After Orlando Bloom Split

Katy Perry delivered a deeply personal note on Instagram marking the first anniversary of her album 143 as she navigates a highly public split with Orlando Bloom and ongoing backlash to the project. In a message addressed to her fans, whom she affectionately calls KatyCats, the pop star reflected on a year she described as a rollercoaster, saying the journey has included both wins and losses and has tested her in ways she did not anticipate.

143, released in September 2024, was billed as a major pop comeback but faced significant scrutiny. The project collided with controversy over producer Dr. Luke's involvement, which re-ignited discussions dating back to the Kesha case in 2014. The lead single, Women’s World, underperformed on the charts, and Metacritic later labeled 143 as one of the year’s most criticized releases. Perry also faced backlash earlier in the year for participating in a Blue Origin passenger flight with Lauren Sánchez, a move she acknowledged drew intense public scrutiny. In July, it was confirmed that her engagement to Bloom, who shares daughter Daisy Dove, had ended after nine years together.

Despite the waves of criticism, Perry wrote that the year also contained moments she values, such as reconnecting with fans and continuing her Lifetimes Tour. She wrote, "1 year ago, 143 came out and I took the weekend to reflect. Records are snapshots of an artist trying to tell their story of where they are now or have been, and hope someone will hear themselves in some of the messages." She added, "We cats (and rats) have been through a rollercoaster, but wherever the ride took us, we have been together." In the same post, she conveyed a sense of resilience and gratitude for the community that has formed around her music.

She also opened up about self-love, saying that she often questions whether she loves herself but that she is proud of where she has landed in this moment. "Today’s answer is yes. I am proud of where and how I have landed in this moment," she wrote, and noted that the journey has made her realize there are two sides to every coin. She emphasized not forcing the next steps in her career, instead trusting the angels, her fans, and the music to guide her. "Whatever comes next, I’m letting it unfold naturally. No forcing, no controlling," she wrote, "Please know this: my love for you is unconditional, and I couldn’t do any of this without you." The post also included a slideshow of behind-the-scenes moments from the past year, including scenes from the Lifetimes Tour.

Reaction online was mixed, with many industry peers praising her resilience while others expressed concern about her public struggles. The posts followed coverage in recent weeks of Bloom’s own comments on the split, including remarks during a recent appearance on the Today show where he spoke about co-parenting Daisy and expressed gratitude for his career. The couple’s representatives had indicated in mid-2025 that they were prioritizing their daughter and moving toward a cooperative parenting arrangement. Perry’s public notes underscore a commitment to moving forward while staying connected to her audience as she prepares for forthcoming dates in the UK, Europe and Asia and keeps open the possibility of new music as part of a longer arc she has dubbed Lifetimes—an approach she described as unfolding naturally rather than forced.

As the year recedes, Perry’s team has signaled that fans should expect continued touring and new music in time, but with patience and a focus on connection. The Instagram post concludes with a pledge to keep swinging and to honor the people who have supported her through the highs and lows. "Excited to continue the celebration in the UK, Europe, and Asia and hey, 143 & 341. LOVE, KATY," Perry wrote, a line that hints at ongoing projects beyond 143 that may unfold in the months ahead.