Katy Perry’s QR code tattoo at the VMAs explained
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Katy Perry showed off her new tattoo while walking the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, September 11.
Before the event at UBS Arena in New York, the 39-year-old singer struck a pose for photographers while wearing a tattered white bralette and a coordinating skirt.
On her lower back, she revealed what looked like a temporary tattoo featuring a QR code.
Images of Perry's latest decoration started to spread on X, sparking curiosity among many about whether it had any real significance.
Though scanning some photos posed a challenge, once they were successfully scanned, users were directed to the website featuring her upcoming studio album, titled 143.
In addition to vinyl and various merchandise for the album, the website also encouraged users to pre-save the record, which is set to release on September 20.
One fan tweeted, "Katy Perry sporting a temporary tattoo of a QR code that directs you to the 143 Pre-save page is just so silly."
"One person couldn't help but express their amazement at Katy Perry's QR code tattoo that leads to her presave link, while another chimed in, calling her a 'genius' for it."
"One person commented, 'They're making the mark of the beast look fashionable.'"
Perry, aiming for a much-awaited return with her new project, 143, was one of the artists who performed at the VMAs.
Prior to receiving the Vanguard Award, an accolade recognizing her lifelong contributions to the industry, she performed a mix of her most popular songs, such as “Teenage Dream,” “I Kissed A Girl,” and “California Gurls.”
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That evening, her rendition of "Roar" at the 2013 VMAs was awarded the title of Most Iconic Performance.
In July, Perry's "Woman's World," the main track from her album 143, was heavily ridiculed online after a short clip was leaked.
The song entered the charts at a disappointing No. 64 on Billboard's Hot 100 and No. 43 on the UK music charts.
Adam White from The Independent referred to the song's lyrics as a "fake feminist imitation" that appeared "surprisingly out of date" in 2024.
The music video for the song also became a target for ridicule, as viewers were confused by its apparently sarcastic visuals. These included Perry dressed in outfits reminiscent of Rosie the Riveter, a Stars and Stripes bikini, and work overalls that exposed her underwear.
The singer of "Hot N Cold" faced backlash for her partnership with producer Dr. Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald. He recently concluded a lengthy legal dispute with pop artist Kesha, who accused him of drugging and raping her after a party in 2005 and claimed that he defamed her in the process. Dr. Luke has consistently rejected these claims.
In a recent episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, Perry discussed her choice to collaborate with Dr. Luke when asked about it.
"Listen, I get that it sparked a lot of discussions and he was just one of the many people I worked with," she explained. "But in the end, it originated from me."
"I created these songs based on my life experiences and the transformation I've undergone. He was instrumental in that process, contributing as one of the writers and producers."
