On April 14, 2025, pop superstar Katy Perry made history—not just as a global icon, but as a voice from the stars. During a once-in-a-lifetime spaceflight with Blue Origin, Perry sang “What a Wonderful World” while floating above Earth, delivering a powerful moment that resonated far beyond the atmosphere.
Her performance wasn’t a flashy concert or a pop promotion. It was a heartfelt tribute to our planet, motherhood, and the collective awe of seeing Earth from space. And in true Katy fashion, she brought grace, emotion, and just the right touch of sparkle to the stars.
Here’s the story behind the song that captured the hearts of millions—from zero gravity.
Katy Perry was one of six women aboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 flight, a suborbital mission designed not only to reach space but to make a statement. This mission marked the first all-female crewed spaceflight since 1963, and its purpose extended far beyond the thrill of the ride.
Also Read
The full crew included:
- Katy Perry – Pop star, humanitarian, and global influencer
- Gayle King – Veteran journalist and CBS Mornings co-host
- Lauren Sánchez – Journalist, philanthropist, and aerospace advocate
- Amanda Nguyen – Civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee
- Aisha Bowe – Former NASA aerospace engineer and tech entrepreneur
- Kerianne Flynn – Emmy-winning producer and women’s rights advocate
Together, this group represented diverse industries and experiences—but all shared a mission to inspire the next generation, particularly young girls, to dream big and look to the stars.
Why “What a Wonderful World”?
When the New Shepard rocket crossed the Kármán line—the boundary between Earth and space—the crew experienced several minutes of weightlessness, gazing down at the planet through the capsule windows. It was in this moment that Katy Perry began singing Louis Armstrong’s iconic ballad, “What a Wonderful World.”
Unsurprisingly, news of Katy Perry singing “What a Wonderful World” in space quickly went viral. Social media erupted with reactions ranging from admiration to amusement. Some fans praised her for opting for a meaningful classic rather than a flashy pop hit, noting how well the song matched the gravity of the situation.
The choice of song was deeply intentional.
“It wasn’t about me or my music,” Perry later explained. “It was about the view in front of us and the love we carry for this beautiful world.”
Rather than choosing one of her own hits like “Roar” or “Firework”, Perry opted for a universal classic. The lyrics—”I see trees of green, red roses too…”—suddenly felt more profound when sung while looking at the entire Earth from space.
Song by Louis Armstrong
“What a Wonderful World” is one of the most iconic and timeless songs performed by the legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. The song, recorded in 1967, has become a universal anthem of peace, love, and harmony, resonating with audiences across generations . Let’s dive into the story behind this masterpiece and explore what makes it so special.
The song was written by Bob Thiele (under the pseudonym “George Douglas”) and George Weiss, a renowned songwriter and member of the Songwriter Hall of Fame . At the time, Thiele was a producer for ABC Records, and Weiss contributed his lyrical brilliance to craft a ballad that would celebrate the beauty of life and the world around us .
Interestingly, the song was created during a tumultuous period in history—marked by political unrest, the Vietnam War, and social upheaval in the United States. Against this backdrop, “What a Wonderful World” emerged as a soothing reminder of hope and positivity . Its message stood in stark contrast to the chaos of the era, offering listeners a sense of calm and reassurance.
The lyrics of “What a Wonderful World” are deceptively simple yet profoundly meaningful. They paint vivid images of nature’s beauty—trees of green, skies of blue, and friends shaking hands—and highlight the joy found in everyday moments like watching children grow . The song encourages listeners to pause and appreciate the wonders of the world, even amidst challenges.
One of the key themes of the song is its emphasis on peace and unity. It speaks to the idea of seeing beyond differences and recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things. This universal message has allowed the song to transcend cultural and generational boundaries, making it relevant even decades after its release.
Tribute to Daisy
The moment wasn’t just a musical one—it was personal. Perry brought a small daisy flower with her into space as a symbol of her daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, whom she shares with actor Orlando Bloom.
The flower, tucked into her flight suit, served as a simple yet powerful reminder of love and home. Perry later said she wanted to bring “a piece of Daisy” with her and to make her daughter proud.
Her entire experience—singing a love letter to Earth, floating in silence, surrounded by accomplished women—was infused with the emotional weight of motherhood and a deep connection to life on the planet below.
After the flight, fellow astronaut and journalist Gayle King called Perry’s performance the highlight of the trip.
“Katy singing that song while we were weightless? It gave us chills. It was beautiful, grounding, and completely unforgettable.”
Each of the six women had their own reason for participating, but all agreed that the shared emotional impact of being in space—and hearing Perry’s voice—created a bond none of them would ever forget.
After re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the capsule landed safely in the Texas desert. The crew exited with tears, laughter, and overwhelming emotion. Both Perry and King were seen kissing the ground—a gesture of deep gratitude for the journey and the life awaiting them back on Earth.
In her post-flight reflections, Perry shared how transformative the experience was. Despite the short duration (about 11 minutes total), the time spent in space felt like a powerful meditation on perspective and purpose.
“You realize how fragile this planet is. It makes you want to protect it, to love it even more.”
While celebrity space travel is often criticized for extravagance, Perry and her crew emphasized the symbolic power of their mission. This wasn’t just a joyride for the elite—it was a public, intentional statement about women in space, the beauty of Earth, and the importance of representation.
By singing in space, Perry became the first artist to perform vocally beyond Earth—a milestone both poetic and empowering. The performance was not broadcast live, but clips quickly surfaced online, stirring global admiration and emotion.
Her decision to sing “What a Wonderful World” rather than a self-promoting track underscored her humility and message. It was about the view, the moment, the meaning.
Katy Perry didn’t go to space to promote a single or chase headlines. She went as a woman, mother, and artist—and she used her voice to share a message of beauty, unity, and appreciation for our world.
Her performance reminded us all: Earth is fragile, life is precious, and sometimes, music can say more than a thousand press releases ever could.
As Perry looked out at the planet and softly sang the lyrics of a beloved classic, millions of us down below were reminded of one simple truth:
What a wonderful world, indeed.
