Katy Perry opens Joy Awards 2026 in Saudi Arabia as Shah Rukh Khan, Nancy Ajram, Millie Bobby Brown attend

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Pop icon and Roar hitmaker Katy Perry kicked off the Joy Awards 2026 night in Riyadh with full pop-star bravado, opening the ceremony in a sparkling gold blazer and a performance that left no room for subtlety.

“Welcome to the Joy Awards,” she declared, as fireworks exploded in the sky in line with her high-octane spectacle.

The stage was drenched in red and there were steps on stage where an an army of backup dancers clad in red leather power suits moved in perfect rhythm and unison.

For a minute, we thought that we were watching Squid Games on steroid on stage. Her every song and her every perfectly synchronised move were big, bold and maximalist.

While the awards night was an unapologetic glamorous celebration of Arab, Bollywood and Hollywood icons in cinema, music, and sport, Perry’s opening act was easily one of the most powerful moments of the night. And fittingly, the night echoed the spectacle that launched it.

"Good evening, Riyadh. Music is magic, it lights even the darkest rooms. It turns stories into songs, turns motion into melody, and ordinary moments that we cherish for a lifetime. Artists give feelings to thoughts we can't give words for!," said Katy later than night as she presented an award on stage in the category 'Favourite Female Singer'.

She also hailed women singers whose voices don't just entertain, but 'connects'.

The glittering night didn't end with Perry's powerful opening. Very soon, British singer Robbie Williams also performed his biggest hits.

Joy Awards, held every year as part of Riyadh Season and billed as the region's 'People Choice Awards', puts the spotlight on music stars, cinema icons, accomplished athletes, and other inspiring figures who are making a positive impact on people's lives. The winners are chosen by the people and fans. This year, a galaxy of stars from Arab cinema, Hollywood, and Bollywood descended upon the lavender carpet to celebrate their craft and body of work.

Gulf News was on the ground to capture the colour, the action, and the buzz!