Katy Perry Brings Back the Magic: Sings ‘Not Like the Movies’ for the First Time in 13 Years at Lifetimes Tour Kickoff It’s been over a decade since Katy Perry’s hit single “Not Like the Movies” first captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide. The empowering ballad, which served as the soundtrack to many a young adult’s coming-of-age story, has been a fan favorite for years. But on the kickoff night of her highly anticipated Lifetimes Tour, Perry surprised her devoted audience by dusting off this nostalgic gem and bringing it back to life in a breathtaking performance that left everyone in awe. In a special feature by Rolling Stone, get ready to relive the magic as we take a closer look at Katy Perry’s emotional return to “Not Like the Movies” – a moment that’s sure to leave you cheering for more.
Akriila and the New Generation of Chilean Musicians
Chile has become the center of socio-political discord that’s swept the region over the last several years. Since October 2019, millions of Chileans have taken to the streets in waves of protests and civil unrest dubbed el estallido social, or the social outburst. Their goals: dismantle the neoliberal policies of the Seventies that fostered staggering income inequality, abandon the archaic Pinochet-era constitution, and draft a new magna carta to codify institutional gender parity and land rights for the country’s indigenous communities.
In 2020, hundreds of Chileans were maimed during the violent repression of former president, the billionaire Sebastián Piñera, who recently died while piloting his helicopter, triggering a national wave of schadenfreude. The hopeful government of student union leader-turned-president Gabriel Boric, who was elected in 2021, failed multiple attempts at passing a new constitution, fanning the flames of a far-right backlash that has gridlocked political discourse.
The Impact of el Estallido on Chile’s Music Industry
An unresolved culture war, plus the ravishing effects of the pandemic, have sewn bleakness and disillusionment into Chilean music. You can hear it in the guttural rage of a burgeoning post-hardcore scene led by Asia Menor and Candelabro, as well as the icy techno K-holes of Alejandro Paz and Valesuchi. However, between primal screams and dance floor disassociation, flourishing streetwise narratives have come to epitomize the disenfranchised emotions of a generation.
The soundtrack for el estallido social has become trap, reggaeton, and plugg crafted in peripheral neighborhoods, shifting the artistic status quo and propelling Chile’s music industry into enormously lucrative territory.
Increased Popularity and Commercial Success
Editor’s picks “Chile was in a dictatorship just over 30 years ago, so politics has everything to do with our music,” says rising trap phenom Akriila, speaking with Unionjournalism from Santiago. Born Fernanda Sepulveda and hailing from the district of Maipú, she bought her first microphone while in high school and recorded early demos in her mother’s car.
She was initially drawn to mixtapes from Princesa Alba and Gianluca, circa 2017. But by the time she began releasing music during the pandemic, trap was the sound of the zeitgeist. She describes the evolution of Chilean trap as “euphoric.”
Early hits like Gianluca and Pablo Chill-E’s “Sismo” in 2019 echoed Atlanta cadences, while 2022 new-money anthem “JFM (Jovenes Flaite Milloneta),” by Aqua VS, Pablo Chill-E, and Julianno Sosa, reclaimed the pejorative “Flaite” (or “Ghetto”) and consolidated this new local idiom.
Shift in the Artistic Status Quo and Push for Change
Chill-E in particular is best known internationally for collaborating on Bad Bunny’s YHLQMDLG, but at home he’s a trap trailblazer and people’s hero who fought alongside protestors in the first waves of el estallido. Later, he enlisted folk legends Quilapayún and Inti Illimani for the searing indictments of “Aburrido.”
Akriila cultivated her own blend of irreverent boasts and social critiques across buzzy 2021 singles “XEKERAU” and “Monas Xinas,” as well as an imaginative 2023 mixtape titled 001. She’s since collaborated with chamaleonic trap tent poles Young Cister and Harry Nach, and in recent months, she’s pivoted towards a commercial reggaeton sound that made crossover superstars out of Polimá Westcoast, Kidd Voodoo, and Marcianeke.
At 20 years old, Akriila stands unconcerned with easy classification, and wise to industry games that equate sonic versatility with market potential. “Yeah, I do trap, but I think about it as pop, the way Charli XCX, Rosalía, and Tokischa operate within specific genres but fall under the pop umbrella,” she says, teasing a forthcoming album with more adventurous forays into reggaet
Industry Insights and Analysis
Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour: A Commercial and Artistic Success
The Lifetimes Tour is the ongoing fifth concert tour by American singer Katy Perry, following her seventh studio album, 143 (2024). It commenced on April 23, 2025, in Mexico City, Mexico, and is set to conclude on December 7, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, consisting of eighty-four concerts.
On September 25, 2024, Perry announced live on the Australian breakfast show program Sunrise that she would embark on the Lifetimes Tour with the first five dates in Australia. Artist pre-sale and general sale were announced at the same time.
Marketing Strategies and Publicity Stunts
Two days later, additional shows in Sydney and Brisbane were added, due to demand. A show in Adelaide was announced on September 29. Two days later, two additional shows in Adelaide were added due to the first and second being sold out within one hour.
On October 3, 2024, she added one more show each to Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide. On November 11, Perry revealed the tour would visit South America with Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, shows respectively taking place the following September 6 and 9.
Fan Engagement and Social Media Impact
Two days later, shows in Brazil and Mexico were announced, with four total additional shows distributed between Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara being added after the first dates sold out.
Shows in the United Kingdom were announced on November 17, 2024, with one pound per ticket sold being donated to the Music Venue Trust. On November 21, 2024, she added a second show in London.
That same month, concerts in Canada were announced, and an additional concert in Buenos Aires was added, due to demand. On December 9, 2024, Perry announced eight European dates for the tour, with an extra concert added in Paris, due to demand three days later.
A third date was later added after the two previous concerts sold out. On December 16, 2024, Perry announced a Bologna, Italy, date. On January 22, 2025, Perry announced a Munich, Germany, date.
Five days later, concerts in the United States were announced, as well as a secondary date in Toronto, Canada. On January 29, 2025, Perry announced a Lyon, France, date. On February 6, 2025, Perry announced a Belfast, Northern Ireland, date.
A second Belfast show was announced on February 14, 2025. On February 19, 2025, Perry announced a Hanover, Germany, date. The following day, dates labeled as the “final” Australian concerts were announced.
On February 24, 2025, Perry announced Spain dates for the tour. On March 9, 2025, it was announced Rebecca Black would serve as a supporting act for the tour.
The following month, during her flight into space aboard Blue Origin NS-31, Perry revealed the set list of the tour. Additionally, two concerts in Hangzhou, China, were announced on April 23.
On the same day, Perry announced that Mexican DJ Mariana BO and Mexican band Midnight Generation will serve as the opening acts for the Mexican dates of the tour.
Cultural Relevance and the Future of Chilean Music
Chilean music has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with the rise of trap, reggaeton, and plugg genres. This shift has not only changed the sound of Chilean music but has also led to increased commercial success and international recognition.
The impact of el estallido social on Chilean music has been profound, with many artists using their music as a form of social commentary and activism. This has led to a new wave of artists who are using their platform to speak out against social injustices and advocate for change.
The future of Chilean music looks bright, with a new generation of artists pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The success of artists like Akriila and Chill-E has paved the way for others to follow, and the industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
Conclusion
Katy Perry Brings Back a Classic: Unpacking the Significance of ‘Not Like the Movies’ Revival
Katy Perry’s recent performance of ‘Not Like the Movies’ at the kickoff of her Lifetime tour marks a significant moment in her career, as she revisits a song that has been off her setlist for 13 years. As reported by Rolling Stone, the emotional ballad, which speaks to the disillusionment of rom-com expectations, resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the enduring power of Perry’s songwriting. The article highlights how ‘Not Like the Movies’ serves as a poignant reflection of Perry’s growth as an artist and her willingness to confront the complexities of love and relationships.
The significance of this revival lies in its implications for Perry’s music and her connection with her fans. By revisiting a song that has been dormant for over a decade, Perry is signaling a willingness to confront her past and re-examine her artistic vision. This move also speaks to the enduring impact of her music on her fans, who continue to crave authenticity and vulnerability from their favorite artists. As Perry embarks on her Lifetime tour, it will be fascinating to see how this renewed focus on emotional depth shapes the trajectory of her music and her connection with her audience.
As Katy Perry continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, one thing is clear: her music has the power to transcend time and touch hearts. With ‘Not Like the Movies’ back in the spotlight, fans are reminded of the raw emotion and vulnerability that has always defined Perry’s sound. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see how Perry’s music evolves and how she continues to inspire a new generation of fans. One thing is certain: Katy Perry is more than just a pop star – she’s a storyteller, and her music will continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.