Entertainment

Don't Say These Things to a Katy Perry Fan

by Alex Kritselis

Dec. 12, 2014

Dave J Hogan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Though I completely missed out on her early Christian music career, I've been a major Katy Perry fan for a long time. Way back in 2007, before "I Kissed a Girl" topped the charts, I was forcing my friends to listen to songs like "Waking Up In Vegas" and "I'm Still Breathing" on Perry's MySpace page (songs that would eventually appear on her mainstream debut, One of the Boys). Something told me Perry was on the verge of making it big. Shockingly, I was right! Seven years, three albums, and nine No. 1 singles later, Perry is one of the biggest names in pop music. She's a superstar, and she has millions upon millions of devoted fans worldwide.

Of course, she also has a lot of haters. Make no mistake, there are definitely legitimate reasons to criticize Perry. For example, "I Kissed a Girl" is eye roll–inducing, "Ur So Gay's" lyrics are homophobic, and her recent instances of offensive cultural appropriation are beyond infuriating. I've taken the now 30-year-old hit-maker to task for all of these issues in the past (and will continue to do so in the future) — but darn it, I still love a lot of her music. If you ask me, Perry catches her fair share of unwarranted flack, too.

Here are 15 things you should never say to a hardcore Katy Perry fan:

"She can't sing."

Do you realize how ridiculous you sound right now? Could a woman who "can't sing" sell 11 million albums and 81 million singles worldwide? Think before you speak. Perry may not possess the vocal power of Mariah Carey in her prime, but SHE CAN SING. More than that, her voice is beautiful, unique, and instantly recognizable.

"She's so manufactured. She doesn't even write her own music."

Perry either wrote or co-wrote every song that appears on each of her four solo albums (even 2001's Katy Hudson). Please, have several seats. Additionally, did you know that Perry has co-penned hit tracks for artists like Kelly Clarkson and Iggy Azalea? So, not only does she write her own music, she writes music for other artists, as well. She's pretty good at it, too! The more you know.

"She can't win a Grammy to save her life."

How many Grammys have you won, stinky? That's what I thought. Besides, she'll win one eventually.

"Teenage Dream didn't deserve to be nominated for Album of the Year."

Yeah, you're right. An album full of fun, emotional, expertly crafted, and commercially successful (not to mention trend-setting) pop songs definitely didn't deserve to be nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys. How silly of me!

"She'll never top Teenage Dream."

Perry made history with Teenage Dream: she's the first and only female artist to have launched five consecutive No. 1 singles from the same album. I've learned to never underestimate her — I'd suggest you do the same.

"She can't dance."

Admittedly, Perry isn't the best dancer in the world, but who cares? You don't have to be a good dancer in order to be a good pop star. Expand your mind!

"All of her songs sound the same."

Clean your ears.

"She'd be nothing without Dr. Luke and Max Martin."

Why is it so hard for some people to accept that Perry, a young woman, is also responsible for the success of her music? We've already established that she writes her own songs. Why is it so easy for some people to believe that two men are running the show from behind the scenes? Food for thought.