Live performances
Which season of "American Idol" did Perry perform "Part of Me" for?
Part of Me (Katy Perry song)
"Part of Me" was given its first live performance on February 12, 2012, at the 54th Grammy Awards. An abbreviated version of "E.T." (2011) ended partway through the chorus, with electronic sound effects and a darkened stage. Wearing a metallic bodysuit with the appearance of golden armor, a blue-haired Perry descended from the roof of the venue in a transparent cube. The object shattered, fireworks went off around the stage, and Perry began "Part of Me" as the dancers present during "E.T." reappeared, lifted her up, and performed a routine behind her. On March 19, 2012, Perry performed "Part of Me" as part of a Live Lounge special for BBC Radio 1, along with "The One That Got Away" (2011), "Firework" (2011), "Thinking of You" (2009) and a censored version of "Niggas in Paris" (2011). The performances were closely similar, through their depiction of Perry as a superhero and their theme of self-empowerment. Katie Brine of MTV commented that "Even when Katy is getting serious, there's always fun to be had. "On April 26, 2012, Perry performed the track for season 11 of "American Idol". This was similar to her previous performances and the video, but was pre-taped due to illness. After a short, introductory military-style video, Perry made a simulated airdrop onto a military base peopled by female background dancers, all clad in military clothing. It was met with mixed reviews from critics and fans, who criticized Perry's decisions to pre-tape her performance and to lipsync. However, the complexity and originality of the performance were praised. Brian Mansfield, of "USA Today", called it a "pretty impressive production", but criticized Perry's vocal abilities. Perry included the song in the set list of her June 9, 2012 performance at Capital FM's Summertime Ball festival, during which she wore a fifties-style black and white polka dot dress and a black fringe haircut. DJ Earworm had also made a mashup called "Fly" for the Summertime Ball and included "Part of Me" and Perry's previous single, "The One That Got Away" in the mashup. On June 26, 2012 Perry performed "Part of Me" in her set list at the premiere for her July 2012, 3D autobiographical documentary-concert film "" on Hollywood Boulevard as part of Pepsi's "Summer Beats" concert series. During the performance, Perry emerged from a large box of popcorn, wearing a shirt that resembled a film reel with the stage decorated with life-sized lollipops and neon lights. This was Perry's final performance prior to her taking a musical hiatus after two years of continuous promotion for "Teenage Dream".