Katy Perry releases Rio Olympics anthem "Rise"
Katy Perry's "Rise" is definitely the new "Roar."
The 31-year-old pop star released the powerful anthem on Wednesday night in hopes to send a message of "hope, perseverance, and transformation" as the 2016 Rio Olympics kick off on August 5.
"This is a song that's been brewing inside me for years, that has finally come to the surface," she said in a statement. "I was inspired to finish it now, rather than save it for my next album, because now more than ever, there is a need for our world to unite. I know that together we can rise above the fear - in our country, and around the world."
Excited for the start of the Olympics, Perry added, "I can't think of a better example than the Olympic athletes, as they gather in Rio with their strength and fearlessness, to remind us how we ALL can come together, with the resolve to be the best we can be. I hope this song can inspire us to heal, unite, and rise together."
She also shared the artwork for "Rise," which shows her coming out of the water, and a video was released on Thursday morning. "TOGETHER WE #RISE," reads the image's caption.
The release of the "anthem of conviction" comes on the heels of some Twitter drama between Calvin Harris, Taylor Swift and Perry. Upon calling out his ex, Harris made mention of Swift and Perry's alleged feud, tweeting: "I know you're off tour and you need someone new to try and bury like Katy ETC but I'm not that guy, sorry. I won't allow it."