Some moments in life feel like they’ve leapt right out of a dream. And for my 11-year-old daughter, Evangeline, that dream became a glittering reality when she was invited on stage by Katy Perry herself at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, in front of 25,000 cheering fans.
It’s hard to put into words what that felt like as a mum, watching your child stand beside her idol under the brightest lights, completely overcome with joy and wonder. But let me take you behind the scenes, because this magical moment didn’t just happen - it was imagined, crafted, and stitched together with a whole lot of love.
Two years ago, Evangeline and I attended Katy Perry’s Play concert at her Vegas residency. It was Evangeline’s first concert and her 9th birthday present. She danced, fist pumped the air and screamed every lyric to every song over the banister of our first elevation seats. Towards the end of the show, Katy invited young fans on stage to join her for a dance off. In the Uber back to the hotel, Evangeline looked at me and said, “Mum, those kids were so lucky. I wish she pulled me on stage”.
Fast forward to 9th June 2025, it was hard to say no to Evangeline when 4 days out from Katy’s Sydney concert she asked if I could make the newest costume Katy just showcased in her Lifetimes Tour. A striking red leotard with silver metallic domes (which we later found out was made by D&G). “That’s the one, Mum,” she said the second she saw it. I knew in that moment we were going to do everything we could to make it happen.
In just three days, we created her custom Katy Perry replica costume - complete with silver spray-painted boots, hand-placed metallic circles to match the Dolce & Gabbana originals, and black win with silver sparkle tinsel extensions. We hunted down fabric, glue and everything we needed from Spotlight Stores and I got to work sewing and gluing until it was perfect. No shortcuts - just heart.
You can see the behind-the-scenes reel here:🎥 Watch the transformation
And then… the moment came. During Katy’s Sydney show, she looked into the crowd, spotted Evangeline in her handmade costume, with her Cricut fabric sign reading, ‘Dressed for the Stage’ and invited her up on stage. The look on her face - a mix of disbelief, tears, joy, and pure wonder! It’s something we both, along with 25,000 fans will never forget. And Katy was everything you’d hope for - kind, warm, and so genuine with her young fans.
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It wasn’t just a concert. It was a reminder of how powerful creativity, determination, and a bit of sparkle can be when they come from the heart. For Evangeline, it was a night she’ll never forget. And for me, it was confirming that as a Mum we really do try to do everything for our kids. A wish of hope in that Uber in 2023 that one day, perhaps, it could be her turn.
Thank you, Katy, for seeing her. And thank you to everyone who’s shared the moment online and shown so much love. You’ve made one little KatyCat’s dream come true - and filled this mum’s heart to the brim.
With love,
Despina x
