Katy Perry, the pop sensation known for hits like "I Kissed A Girl" and "Firework," is set to headline the 2024 AFL Grand Final in September. However, the announcement has been met with a mix of confusion and mockery, particularly from American fans who question the significance of the event and the current state of Perry's career.

The Australian Football League (AFL), described as "the pre-eminent and only fully professional competition of Australian rules football," made the announcement via X, formerly Twitter. The promotional image featured Perry holding an AFL ball, but the response was far from universally positive.

"She's headlining a car dealership sales event? She is down baaaad," tweeted @scoobertussy, reflecting the sentiment of many who viewed the gig as a step down for the pop star. Another user, @neckinhalf, added, "I googled the event and STILL think they made it up. How's that possible?"

Critics were quick to point out the perceived decline in Perry's musical career. @arianaunext tweeted, "She will be performing all her songs prior to 2018 because the general public doesn't know anything recent." @Blaggut echoed this sentiment, stating, "AFL always keen to jump on a star at their lowest ebb."

Comparisons with other pop stars were inevitable. @MrPopOfficial tweeted, "Gaga = Olympics. Katy = unknown made-up event," highlighting Lady Gaga's upcoming performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony as a stark contrast to Perry's AFL gig.

Despite the backlash, Perry expressed her excitement about returning to Australia. "I'm so excited to be back in Australia and back at the mighty MCG to perform in front of 100,000 of the best and loudest fans in the world at the @telstra Pre-Game Entertainment for the 2024 Toyota @AFL Grand Final. See you in September Oy Oy Oy," she wrote on X.

Perry's return to the spotlight has not been without controversy. Her latest song, "Woman's World," intended as an empowering feminist anthem, faced criticism due to her collaboration with Dr. Luke, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by Kesha. This collaboration has sparked a wave of scrutiny, impacting the song's reception and Perry's reputation.

The song's performance on the charts has been underwhelming, debuting in the top 70 on Billboard. This starkly contrasts with her previous successes, leading to concerns about the current state of her career. An unnamed insider told the Daily Mail, "Katy is freaking out right now because she is very aware of the feedback that 'Woman's World' is getting. She is pointing the fingers at everyone but herself, but it is her own fault."

The insider added, "She was insane to think that Dr. Luke was a good idea. She didn't listen to anyone. Instead of diving deep and creating art, she put something out that sounded like it could have been on an album of hers from 2010."

The AFL Grand Final performance, set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is a significant event in Australia, attracting a massive live audience and millions of viewers. However, the mixed reactions to Perry's involvement suggest a disconnect between her current public perception and the expectations for such a high-profile performance.