Firework (song)
"Firework" is a 2010 song by Katy Perry from her second major-label album, Teenage Dream. It was released on October 26, 2010. The song received a good review by music critics and claimed the top spot on Billboard Hot 100.[1] The single hit top 5 on twenty charts worldwide. It reached the top three in most of the countries where it charted, including Australia and the UK. It topped charts in the US, Canada, and New Zealand. In the US, it was Perry's fourth number-one song altogether and the third in a streak of five number-ones. At the 2012 Grammy Awards, "Firework" was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.[2]
| "Firework" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Song by Katy Perry | ||||
| from Teenage Dream" | ||||
| Released | October 26, 2010 | |||
| Recorded | 2009 at the Roc the Mic Studios in New York City | |||
| Genre | Dance-pop | |||
| Length | 3:47 | |||
| Label | Capitol | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Katy Perry singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| "Firework" at YouTube | ||||
The song was certified Diamond in the US for shipments of over 10 million copies in that country alone.[3]
Background
"Firework" was written by Perry, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Sandy Wilhelm, and Ester Dean while produced by Stargate and Sandy Vee at Soapbox Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. It was recorded at Roc the Mic Studios in New York City. It was mixed at The Bunker Studios by Vee. Audio engineering was done by Carlos Oyandel and Damien Lewis. All instruments were done by Stargate and Vee. Lead and background vocals were provided by Perry. Perry said that "Firework" is her favorite song on Teenage Dream.[4]
Music video
Development and release
The music video was part of a partnership with European telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom, which ran competitions to recruit fans for the video.[5] Katy Perry started filming it on September 28, 2010.[6] Directed by Dave Meyers and choreographed by Natricia Bernard, it was shot in Budapest.[7] The official teaser was released on October 15, 2010, and the open casting call received a record 38,000 applicants.[8][9] Perry dedicated the video to the It Gets Better Project.[10] It was released on TwitVid, DirectLyrics, and Youku on October 28, 2010, and premiered on YouTube the same day. By January 2024, it had over 1.4 billion views.[11]
Synopsis
The video begins with Perry looking down at the city from a balcony, singing as fireworks explode from her soul.[12] These fireworks inspire young people around the city to overcome their fears. A boy stops his parents’ fight to protect his sister, a shy girl at a pool party gains the courage to join in, a leukemia patient bravely walks outside despite losing her hair, a closeted gay teen kisses his friend at a club, and a young performer uses magic to escape muggers. Eventually, the youth gather at Buda Castle, dancing and lighting up the night with their fireworks, as the camera pans up to the sky.
Reception
"Firework" was ranked No. 1 on MuchMusic's top 50 videos of 2010.[13] The video won Video of the Year at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards and was also nominated for Best Female Video and Best Video with a Message.[14]
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
Decade-end charts
All-time charts
|
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Sales/shipments |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[88] | 16× Platinum | 1,120,000 |
| Austria (IFPI Austria)[89] | 2× Platinum | 60,000* |
| Belgium (BEA)[90] | Gold | Expression error: Missing operand for *.* |
| Brazil (ABPD)[91] | Diamond | Expression error: Missing operand for *. |
| Canada (Music Canada)[92] | Diamond | 100,000 |
| Denmark (IFPI Denmark)[93] | Platinum | Expression error: Missing operand for *. |
| France | — | 140,000[94] |
| Germany (BVMI)[95] | Platinum | 300,000 |
| Greece (IFPI Greece)[96] | Gold | |
| Italy (FIMI)[97] | 2× Platinum | 60,000* |
| Japan (RIAJ)[98] | Gold | 100,000* |
| Mexico (AMPROFON)[99] | Platinum+Gold | Expression error: Missing operand for *.* |
| New Zealand (RIANZ)[100] | 4× Platinum | 60,000* |
| Norway (IFPI Norway)[101] | 4× Platinum | 40,000 |
| Portugal (AFP)[102] | Gold | 10,000 |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[103] | Platinum | 40,000 |
| Sweden (GLF)[104] | Platinum | 20,000 |
| Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[105] | Gold | 15,000^ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[106] | 4× Platinum | 2,400,000 |
| United States (RIAA)[107] | 12× Platinum | 12,000,000 |
| Canada (Music Canada)[108] | Gold | Expression error: Missing operand for *.* |
*sales figures based on certification alone | ||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Version(s) | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | October 26, 2010 | Contemporary hit radio | Original | Capitol | [109] |
| United Kingdom | November 2, 2010 | Digital download | [110] | ||
| United States | November 16, 2010 | Rhythmic contemporary radio | [109] | ||
| November 22, 2010 | Hot adult contemporary radio | [111] | |||
| United Kingdom | December 2, 2010 | CD |
|
[112] | |
| Germany | December 3, 2010 | [113] | |||
| France | January 24, 2011 | Original | [114] |
Firework (song) Media
Perry performing the song on her California Dreams Tour
References
- ↑ "Katy Perry's 'Firework' Shines Over Hot 100". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/949557/katy-perrys-firework-shines-over-hot-100. Retrieved 2015-02-23.
- ↑ 54th Grammy Awards - 2012Rock On the Net. Retrieved 2015-02-23.
- ↑ (in en-US) Gold & Platinum - RIAA. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=katy&col=highest_level&ord=desc#search_section. Retrieved 2018-01-18.
- ↑ Vena, Jocelyn. Katy Perry Tweets About 'Sparkling' New Music Video - Music, Celebrity, Artist News (2010-09-30)MTV. Retrieved 2011-03-20.
- ↑ Pro Posts (in en-US). Billboard. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ "Katy Perry Tweets About 'Sparkling' New Music Video". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/1649047/katy-perry-tweets-about-sparkling-new-music-video/. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ Sneak Peek of Katy Perry's "Firework" Music Video. www.katyperry.com. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ Katy Perry. Katy Perry "Firework" Official Teaser Trailer (HD) (2010-10-15). Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ XpatLoop.com - News (in en). xpatloop.com. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ Mapes, Jillian. Katy Perry Dedicates Leaked ‘Firework’ Video to LGBT Campaign (in en-US). Billboard (2010-10-28). Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ KatyPerryVEVO. Katy Perry - Firework (Official) (2010-10-28). Retrieved 2018-01-18.
- ↑ KatyPerryVEVO. Katy Perry - #VevoCertified, Pt. 9: Firework (Katy Commentary) (2012-06-28). Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ MuchMusic. Top 50 Videos of 2010. MuchMusic. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ "2011 MTV VMA Winners List". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/2298947/2011-vma-winners-list/. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ "Australian-charts.com – Katy Perry – Firework". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Hung Medien.
- ↑ "Katy Perry – Firework Austriancharts.at" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Hung Medien.
- ↑ "Ultratop.be – Katy Perry – Firework" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Ultratop & Hung Medien / hitparade.ch.
- ↑ "Ultratop.be – Katy Perry – Firework" (in French). Ultratop 40. Ultratop & Hung Medien / hitparade.ch.
- ↑ "Illegal name entered Katy Perry/Katy+Perry/chart?f=793 Katy Perry Album & Song Chart History" Canadian Hot 100 for Katy Perry. Prometheus Global Media.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Airplay Radio Chart 2011 Year-end Edition (2011). Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201108 into search.
- ↑ "Danishcharts.com – Katy Perry – Firework". Tracklisten. Hung Medien.
- ↑ "Hits of the World: European Hot 100 Singles". Billboard 122 (48): 43. December 4, 2010. https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_billboard_2010-12-04_122_48/page/n53.
- ↑ "Finnishcharts.com – Katy Perry – Firework". Suomen virallinen lista. Hung Medien.
- ↑ "Lescharts.com – Katy Perry – Firework" (in French). Les classement single. Hung Medien.
- ↑ Les téléchargements de la semaine. Retrieved December 27, 2010.
- ↑ Top de la semaine. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
- ↑ "Die ganze Musik im Internet: Charts, News, Neuerscheinungen, Tickets, Genres, Genresuche, Genrelexikon, Künstler-Suche, Musik-Suche, Track-Suche, Ticket-Suche - musicline.de" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH.
- ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ – Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
- ↑ "Italiancharts.com – Katy Perry – Firework". Top Digital Download. Hung Medien.
- ↑ "Katy Perry Album & Song Chart History" Japan Hot 100 for Katy Perry. Prometheus Global Media.
- ↑ "Luxembourg Digital Songs – January 22, 2011". Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2011-01-22/luxembourg-digital-songs. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
- ↑ "Mexico Airplay". Billboard. January 16, 2013. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/internationalcharts/mexico.
- ↑ Top 20 Anglo de México del 25 de abril al 1 de mayo, 2011 (in es) (May 2, 2011)Monitor Latino. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
- ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Katy Perry search results" (in Dutch) Dutch Top 40. Stichting Nederlandse Top 40.
- ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Katy Perry – Firework" (in Dutch). Mega Single Top 100. Hung Medien / hitparade.ch.
- ↑ "Charts.org.nz – Katy Perry – Firework". Top 40 Singles. Hung Medien.
- ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Katy Perry – Firework". VG-lista. Hung Medien.
- ↑ Topul celor mai difuzate 50 de piese la radio in Romania. Romanian Top 100 (February 2, 2011). Retrieved March 6, 2011.
- ↑ "Archive Chart". Scottish Singles Top 40. The Official Charts Company.
- ↑ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201052 into search.
- ↑ "Spanishcharts.com – Katy Perry – Firework" Canciones Top 50. Hung Medien.
- ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Katy Perry – Firework". Singles Top 60. Hung Medien.
- ↑ "Katy Perry – Firework swisscharts.com". Swiss Singles Chart. Hung Medien.
- ↑ "Archive Chart" UK Singles Chart. The Official Charts Company.
- ↑ "Illegal name entered Katy Perry/Katy+Perry/chart?f=379 Katy Perry Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot 100 for Katy Perry. Prometheus Global Media.
- ↑ "Illegal name entered Katy Perry/Katy+Perry/chart?f=341 Katy Perry Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs for Katy Perry. Prometheus Global Media.
- ↑ "Illegal name entered Katy Perry/Katy+Perry/chart?f=343 Katy Perry Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Adult Pop Songs for Katy Perry. Prometheus Global Media.
- ↑ "Illegal name entered Katy Perry/Katy+Perry/chart?f=359 Katy Perry Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play for Katy Perry. Prometheus Global Media.
- ↑ "Illegal name entered Katy Perry/Katy+Perry/chart?f=381 Katy Perry Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Pop Songs for Katy Perry. Prometheus Global Media.
- ↑ "Illegal name entered Katy Perry/Katy+Perry/chart?f=378 Katy Perry Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Rhythmic Songs for Katy Perry. Prometheus Global Media.
- ↑ Pop Rock (in es) (February 26, 2011)Record Report.
- ↑ "Archive Chart" UK Singles Chart. The Official Charts Company.
- ↑ ARIA Charts – End of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2010Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
- ↑ VIVA Single Jahrescharts 2010–2010 (in de). VivaMedia Control Charts. Retrieved February 2, 2011.
- ↑ MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 2010 (in hu)Mahasz. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
- ↑ Best of 2010Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved February 2, 2011.
- ↑ Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2010Dutch Top 40. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
- ↑ Annual Top 50 Singles Chart 2010Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Retrieved February 2, 2011.
- ↑ Eminem/Rihanna & Take That scoop 2010 crowns. OfficialCharts.com (January 3, 2011).
- ↑ Adele's "21" crowned ARIA's highest selling album of 2011 LMFAO takes single honours with "Party Rock Anthem". Retrieved January 1, 2012.
- ↑ Austria Top 40Hitradio Ö3.
- ↑ JAAROVERZICHTEN 2011 (in nl). Ultratop. Retrieved December 29, 2011.
- ↑ RAPPORTS ANNUELS 2011. Ultratop. Retrieved December 29, 2011.
- ↑ Brazilian Top 100 Year-End 2011 (April 3, 2018)Crowley Broadcast Analysis. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
- ↑ "Best of 2011: Canadian 100 Songs". Billboard. 2011. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/canadian-hot-100. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
- ↑ Classement Singles – année 2011 (in fr)SNEP. Retrieved February 12, 2012.
- ↑ 2011 MTV EMAMTV.
- ↑ MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 2011 (in hu)Mahasz. Retrieved February 23, 2012.
- ↑ Jaaroverzichten – Single 2011 (in nl)MegaCharts. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
- ↑ Annual Top 50 Singles Chart 2011Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
- ↑ Romanian Top 100 - Top of the Year 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
- ↑ TOP 50 CANCIONES ANUAL 2011PROMUSICAE. Retrieved January 28, 2012.
- ↑ Årslista Singlar – År 2011 (in sv)Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
- ↑ SCHWEIZER JAHRESHITPARADE 2011. hitparade.ch. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
- ↑ End of Year Charts 2011 UK Charts Plus Archived September 15, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ "Best of 2011: Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. 2011. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/hot-100-songs. Retrieved December 9, 2011.
- ↑ "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 2011". Billboard. January 2, 2013. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/adult-contemporary-songs. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
- ↑ "Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2011". Billboard. January 2, 2013. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/adult-pop-songs. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
- ↑ "Dance Club Songs – Year-End 2011". Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/dance-club-songs. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
- ↑ "Pop Songs – Year-End 2011". Billboard. January 2, 2013. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/pop-songs. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
- ↑ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2011". Billboard. December 9, 2014. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/rhythmic-songs. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
- ↑ Classement des 200 premiers Singles Fusionnés par GfK année 2012SNEP. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
- ↑ End of Year 2012. UKChartsPlus. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
- ↑ 2019 ARIA End of Decade Singles Chart (January 2020)ARIA. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
- ↑ "Decade-End Charts: Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. October 31, 2019. https://www.billboard.com/charts/decade-end/hot-100. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
- ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 60th Anniversary". Billboard. August 31, 2018. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100-60th-anniversary. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ↑ ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2025 SinglesAustralian Recording Industry Association.
- ↑ Austrian single certifications – Katy Perry – Firework (in German)IFPI Austria. Enter Katy Perry in the field Interpret. Enter Firework in the field Titel. Select single in the field Format. Click Suchen
- ↑ Ultratop − Goud en Platina – 2011Ultratop & Hung Medien / hitparade.ch.
- ↑ Brazilian single certifications – Katy Perry – Firework (in Portuguese)Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos.
- ↑ Canadian single certifications – Katy Perry – FireworkMusic Canada.
- ↑ Danish single certifications – Katy Perry – FireworkIFPI Denmark.
- ↑ Goncalves, Julien. Katy Perry: What are her 10 biggest hits in France? (in fr) (June 25, 2017)Pure Charts. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
- ↑ Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Katy Perry; 'Firework') (in German)Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
- ↑ Email from Nick Stefanakis of IFPI Greece (in en)IFPI Greece. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ↑ Italian single certifications – Katy Perry – Firework (in Italian)Federation of the Italian Music Industry.
- ↑ Japanese single certifications – Katy Perry – Firework (in Japanese)Recording Industry Association of Japan.
- ↑ Mexican single certifications – Katy Perry – Firework (in Spanish)Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas.
- ↑ THE FIELD id (chart number) MUST BE PROVIDED for NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATION.
- ↑ Norwegian single certifications – Katy Perry – Firework (in Norwegian)IFPI Norway.
- ↑ Portuguese single certifications – Katy Perry – Firework (in Portuguese)Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa.
- ↑ Spanish single certifications – Katy Perry – Firework (in Spanish)Productores de Música de España.
- ↑ Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2011 (in Swedish)IFPI Sweden.
- ↑ The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards (Katy Perry; 'Firework')Hung Medien.
- ↑ British single certifications – Katy Perry – FireworkBritish Phonographic Industry. Enter Firework in the field Search. Select Title in the field Search by. Select single in the field By Format. Click Go
- ↑ American single certifications – Katy Perry – FireworkRecording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
- ↑ Canadian ringtone certifications – Katy Perry – FireworkMusic Canada.
- ↑ 109.0 109.1 "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. 2010. https://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239.
- ↑ Firework – Single by Katy PerryiTunes Store (UK). Retrieved November 20, 2010.
- ↑ "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. November 22, 2010. https://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=64265.
- ↑ Firework: Amazon.co.uk: Music. Amazon UK.
- ↑ Firework: Katy Perry: Amazon.de: Musik (in de). Amazon Germany. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
- ↑ Firework : Katy Perry en CD Single (in fr)Fnac.com. Retrieved March 6, 2011.