Katy Perry is celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary with a playful nod to one of her biggest hits. On July 4, the pop star took to X (formerly Twitter) and reworked a famous lyric from “Firework,” writing, “Baby, you’re a 250-year-old firework” in honor of the country’s semiquincentennial.
The post immediately caught the attention of fans, many of whom recognized the reference to the chorus of Perry’s signature 2010 anthem. Originally released as the third single from Teenage Dream on October 26, 2010, “Firework” became one of the defining pop songs of the decade thanks to its uplifting message of self-empowerment and explosive chorus. More than 15 years later, the track remains closely associated with Independence Day celebrations across the United States, making Perry’s updated lyric a fitting tribute to the nation’s milestone birthday.
Co-written by Perry alongside Ester Dean, Stargate, and Sandy Vee, “Firework” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four non-consecutive weeks after reaching No. 1 in December 2010. The success marked Katy Perry’s fourth career chart-topper and the third consecutive No. 1 single from Teenage Dream, making the album the first by a female artist since Monica’s The Boy Is Mine in 1998 to produce three straight Billboard Hot 100 leaders.
Its legacy has only continued to grow. “Firework” is now certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), joining “California Gurls,” “Roar,” and “Dark Horse” as one of Perry’s Diamond-certified singles. Worldwide, the inspirational anthem has sold more than 17 million copies and remains a fixture at fireworks displays, sporting events, and patriotic celebrations every July.
Beyond its commercial achievements, the song became one of Perry’s defining live performances. She has included it on every major tour since the California Dreams Tour, performed it during her acclaimed Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show in 2015, and made it a centerpiece of her Las Vegas residency, Play. The accompanying music video also earned the prestigious Video of the Year award at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards while receiving Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
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