Katy Perry Delivers Spectacular First Performance Since Giving Birth

Nov 24, 2020 by apost team

Katy Perry, 36, just welcomed her first child back in August with fiancé Orlando Bloom, a daughter by the name of Daisy Dove Bloom. And now she's back with her first performance as a new mom.

As part of the American Music Awards, Katy sang a reimagined take of her song Only Love, which featured extra special guest Darius Rucker.

Katy Perry's last American Music Awards performance was back in 2013, making this one memorable for various reasons. For one, it's her first performance since giving birth to her daughter Daisy in August. Additionally, the emotional and powerful performance was dedicated to Katy's father. Singing a special reimagined version of her song Only Love, which features on her latest album Smile, it was also incredible to see Katy collaborate with another musician of a very high caliber, Darius Rucker, on such a memorable duet. 

Actress Taraji P. Henson introduced the performance, saying:

"She taught us how to be a firework and shine. You know I love when we shine, baby, shine. She's invited one of her very favorite singers to join her in a very special duet that she has created just for us."

She continued, explaining a little of what the song is about:

"It asks the question, if you had one day left to live, what would you do with it? What would you do if you had nothing to lose? Please welcome Katy Perry and Darius Rucker, reimagining Katy's new song, Only Love."

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The black stage was simple and intimate, lit with warm amber light and featuring only Katy, Darius, and two chairs for them to sit on. Katy was dressed casually in double denim — sporting a stylish blue denim jacket over blue jeans. Her blond hair was cut into a sharp and stylish bob. Meanwhile, Darius was seated with his guitar and dressed equally casually. The set up communicated to the audience that this performance wouldn't be about fancy tricks or gimmicks, but rather a focus on the music and its message.

Katy's voice powerfully begins singing Only Love's opening lyrics, making it clear that this song comes from the heart. It's not often that we see Katy singing a ballad in such a meaningful way, after all, she's known for her fun and bubbly pop music. It makes us wonder if perhaps motherhood has something to do with the somber tone.

It's not long before Darius joins in playing the guitar, followed by singing as well. Their duet is incredibly beautiful and moving, despite their partnership appearing somewhat unexpected. Rucker, 54, is known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of rock band Hootie & the Blowfish and has since enjoyed a successful solo career, most often performing in the country genre.

Both artists teased the performance on their social media beforehand. Katy posted a photo of her in the denim getup to her Instagram with the caption:

"Went back to church, met a new friend @dariusrucker and found #OnlyLove ♥️"

Meanwhile, Darius wrote on his Twitter:

"Excited to share that I'll be joining @KatyPerry for a special performance of #OnlyLove on the AMAs..."

Following up her Instagram post, Katy shared a second one with an adorable photo of herself as a baby while her dad is holding her. She captioned the image:

"Tonight’s @amas performance is for my father ♥️"

The lyrics to Only Love are incredibly heartfelt and deal with what one would do if they were told they only had one day left to live. The themes include hardships and making amends with one's parents. Some of the lyrics are:

"Oh, I'd call my mother and tell her I'm sorry / I never call her back

I'd pour my heart and soul out into a letter / And send it to my dad

Like, oh my God, the time I've wasted / Lost in my head

Let me leave this world with the hate behind me / And take the love instead"

Undoubtedly with Katy becoming a parent this year, she's probably thinking a lot about her own parents. Only Love could even be seen as not only a song for her parents but as a song that one day her daughter Daisy could honor her with. In any case, the wonderful reimagined rendition of Only Love with Darius Rucker was a very special performance indeed.

What did you think of this special reimagination of Only Love? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, then be sure to pass it on so others can enjoy it too!