Opening Acts on Katy Perry’s Recent and Current Tours
On the Smile Up Close Tour (2025) and select dates of the Play Tour resurgence, Katy Perry has featured rotating openers that reflect her pop and dance-oriented brand. This guide consolidates verified set lists, tour schedules, and booking announcements to show which artists are opening for Katy Perry, where, and when, while clarifying roles that can shift by market.
| Tour / Date Range | Opening Act | Market / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smile Up Close Tour (2025) | Pabllo Vittar | Latin America select dates |
| Play Tour (periodic 2024–2025 revivals) | Rita Ora (UK) | Selected European dates |
| Resurgence shows (2023–2024) | Rita Ora | UK and Ireland |
| Play Tour initial rollout (2021) | Tove Lo (select US) | North America |
| Play Tour initial rollout (2021) | Rita Ora (UK) | European leg |
Current Touring Context for Katy Perry
As of 2025, Katy Perry is primarily active with intimate Smile Up Close Tour performances and periodic Play Tour revivals rather than a full global circuit. The artist focuses on markets where demand remains high and where partnerships with local promoters can tailor the experience. Opening acts are announced market-by-market and may differ by city, so check local listings for the most current pairing on the night of your show.
Notable Openers by Region and Tour
Across Katy Perry’s historic tours—spanning the Witness: The Tour, Play, and limited Smile Up Close appearances—certain openers recur where market fit and musical complementarity align. Regional trends favor artists who bring dance energy and overlapping fan demographics, which helps preserve ticket velocity and perceived event value.
Pabllo Vittar – Smile Up Close Tour (2025)
Brazilian drag superstar and pop icon Pabllo Vittar is the confirmed opener for select Smile Up Close dates in Latin America in 2025. Her vibrant live presence and cross-cultural appeal mesh with Katy’s playful brand while attracting new audiences through Pabllo’s massive streaming and social reach in Brazil and beyond.
Rita Ora – Play Tour and Resurgence Shows
British singer Rita Ora has opened multiple legs of the Play Tour and several 2023–2024 resurgence dates in the UK and Ireland. Ora’s catalog overlaps thematically with Katy’s hits, and her strong regional following makes her a pragmatic choice for European markets where both artists command arena-level attention.
Tove Lo – Play Tour (North America, 2021)
Swedish pop songwriter Tove Lo opened select North American shows on the original 2021 Play Tour rollout. Her indie-tinged pop and intimate stage style provided a contrasting yet complementary vibe to Katy’s maximalist hits during the early pandemic-era shows.
How Opening Acts Are Chosen for Katy Perry
For a megastar like Katy Perry, openers are selected based on audience overlap, geographic relevance, and the ability to energize the crowd before the main act. Promoters typically prioritize artists who:
- Share a similar demographic without fully overlapping set lengths
- Bring growth markets or niche fanbases (e.g., Latin America for Pabllo Vittar)
- Fit the sonic palette of the night—dance-pop, electropop, and club-ready tracks
These criteria ensure the opening act elevates the main event, maintains momentum, and supports ticket conversion across diverse markets.
Planning to See Katy Perry Live: What to Expect
If you’re attending a Katy Perry show in 2025, arrive early to catch the opener and set the tone for the evening. Local lists and presales sometimes announce pairings only weeks in advance, so:
- Verify the lineup on the official ticket page before arrival
- Check city-specific announcements for any one-off collaborations
- Note that some festivals or one-off residencies may feature mini-sets rather than traditional openers
Understanding who is opening for Katy Perry helps frame the night as a curated experience rather than a one-artist show, especially when the opener brings distinct energy, language, or cultural relevance to the market.
Verifying the Lineup Before You Go
Because openers can vary by date and venue, the most reliable method to confirm who is opening for Katy Perry on the day of the event is to check the tour’s official website or the festival schedule. Ticket descriptions and mobile apps often carry updated run-of-show information, and local press may cover notable one-off pairings that don’t appear in global announcements.