'Rise': Katy Perry drops powerful anthem for Rio 2016
"Now more than ever, there is a need for our world to unite," singer says. "I can't think of a better example than the Olympic athletes as they gather together in Rio."
The motivational song is the 31-year-old's first new release since 2013 (Photo: Getty Images/Kevin C. Cox)
Pop icon Katy Perry has released a powerful new anthem to accompany NBC's coverage of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, which start in just three weeks' time.
The music video to the inspirational track opens with stunning shots of Rio de Janeiro and shows Olympic champions from around the world in action, including swimming legend Michael Phelps, sprint superstar Usain Bolt and gymnastics sensation Simone Biles. The video's powerful images of triumph, despair and endurance culminate in stirring shots of the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at London 2012.
The song is Perry's first new release since her chart-topping album from 2013, 'Prism'.
“This is a song that’s been brewing inside me for years, that has finally come to the surface,” she said. “I was inspired to finish it now, rather than save it for my next album, because of the overall mood of the world today. 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. I can't think of a better example than the Olympic athletes, as they gather together 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."
