As the lights drop and “1-4-3” echoes through the venue, a digital love code from her latest album, Perry ascends from the infinity-shaped stage, opening with Artificial. Chained to the Rhythm, Teary Eyes, and Dark Horse follow in a breathless burst of energy.

Act 2 begins with a costume change and single Woman’s World. Then dives into a 2010s throwback medley: California Gurls, Teenage Dream, Hot N Cold, Last Friday Night, and I Kissed a Girl. Performed on a silver playground set centre stage, the energy is pure chaos and joy. Highlighted by Perry stealing a fan’s phone mid-song and sprinting laps around the stage.

Act 3 gets surreal, with Perry flipping midair during Nirvana, suspended by ropes and spun by dancers. Crush blends in Jennifer Paige’s classic hit, while I'm His, He’s Mine invites audience participation. Wide Awake closes the act, soaring and emotional.

Then comes the choose your own adventure segment. A fan-led vote via QR code to pick deep cuts from album One of the Boys. To diehard fans' delight, Perry performs Mannequin and an The One That Got Away, armed with her acoustic guitar, surrounded by lucky fans onstage. It’s one of the night’s most moving moments.

Act 4 is pure spectacle, as Perry battles alien dancers in E.T., powers through Part of Me, and fires at the LED screen during Rise, backed by pyro. It’s high-concept and cinematic.

Act 5 delivers the emotional payoff. Perry emerges for the last time on a purple butterfly and soars above the crowd during Roar. Proving there is truly no bad seat. A dance remix of Daisies keeps the energy up, followed by Lifetimes, her latest album’s title track. The show closes with fan favourite Firework, as the crowd screams “one last time” before Perry delivers a final thank you to Melbourne, glowing in her most dazzling costume of the night.

Say what you want about Katy Perry, but The Lifetimes Tour is a chaotic, heartfelt, maximalist triumph. It’s weird. It’s polished. It’s fun. And for Melbourne, it was unforgettable.