Katy Perry went back to her roots for an intimate performance that was part of the U.S. iHeartRadio Living Room Concert Series.
The pop star was at the Hotel Café in Hollywood accompanied by a pianist and guitarist – wearing masks and practicing social distancing – to perform hits like “Roar,” her new single “Daisies” and a cover of “What A Wonderful World.”
"Fifteen years ago, this was kind of like my hideout/living room. It's where I went to try out my new songs, and when I wanted to know if anyone actually liked them, besides my cat — may she rest in peace,” Perry explained. “So, it's kind of like my living room. It's my growing up space.”
Among the stripped-down versions of songs she performed was “Thinking of You” from her 2008 album One of the Boys. It was one of the first songs she ever played at Hotel Café.
Perry said she chose to cover “What A Wonderful World” after hearing a contestant perform it on this season’s American Idol, where she is a judge.
"If you listen to the lyrics, it really explains the beauty of now and what we hope the future will be, and just how present we are to small and simple beauty right now,” said Perry. “And how the world is coming together and we are helping each other out, and there is such a feeling of unity in all of this in a way, even if it is hard.
“So, this song is a great reminder of the unity that we share and the compassion that we share for each other.”
Perry also appealed to fans to support the venue, which may not be able to re-open in time to celebrate its 20th anniversary in November. “It would mean the world to me, and mean the world to Katy Perry of 12 years ago, as well," she said, directing people to hotelcafe.com and saveourstages.com. "The music must, and will, go on."
Watch the full performance below:
Adapted from an article by Taylor Fields of iHeartRadio