Katy Perry has always encouraged girls to stand up for themselves and to be themselves. This is the exact message she sends in her new hit song “Roar” which made its first radio debut on August 10th, 2013, receiving generally positive reviews from critics. Although some reviews from critics, particularly the Los Angeles Times, believed the song to be copied in the image of Sara Bareilles’s song “Brave”. Bareilles herself stated that “ Katy is a friend of mine, and we have known each other for a long time, so she texted me about it and we went back and forth.” Controversy arose when Perry was criticized by PETA ( People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for using exotic animals. Perry herself retorted that the American Humane Association had representatives on the set every day for filming.

On September 6th, 2013, Katy Perry  announced her “ Roar with Katy Perry” contest. The contest entitled students to send a two minute video with their own version of themselves and others performing “Roar” at their school. The winners will be awarded their own live concert by Katy Perry at their school around October 25th, 2013. Padua Academy sang and filmed our rendition of “Roar” at our pep rally during the beginning of homecoming. Although no word has been spoken about the results of the contest, all students can do is hope for the best. Whether through her actions or her songs, Katy Perry teaches girls everywhere to not be ashamed of who they are and to never give up on your dreams.