Katy Perry’s politically charged performance of her new single “Chained to the Rhythm” was intended to be one of the highlights of the 2017 Grammys. Alas, thanks to a curious set design choice (combined with her choreography), all anyone can talk about is the 1990s Tim Allen sitcom “Home Improvement.”
Featuring Perry wearing a “persist” armband, a backdrop that ultimately turned into the U.S. constitution projected over her and co-performer Skip Marley, and ending with her shouting “No Hate,” the performance was supposed to debut her recently announced pivot toward what she calls “purposeful pop.” Unfortunately, the set was a mock-up of a suburban house with a white picket fence, and at one point Perry, wearing sunglasses, peeked up from behind the fence as she sang.
Cue an avalanche of Wilson jokes.
Quick aside: Wilson was the breakout supporting character on “Home Improvement,” known for talking to Tim Allen‘s character from behind their backyard fence, which always obscured his face. #themoreyouknow!
Anyway, it felt like everyone on Twitter was quick to make the same joke. Here’s a sample:
Checking in on the Katy Perry performance #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/f973HRAo9h
— Chase Horton (@ChaseHorton_) February 13, 2017
Hey y'all catch @katyperry #GRAMMYs performance? pic.twitter.com/WuJKlx7N44
— MyLittleGarrone (@MyLittleGarrone) February 13, 2017
Katy Perry like… #GRAMMYs #HomeImprovement pic.twitter.com/J4RoMkJwAJ
— Caleb McGuire (@YourPalCal_) February 13, 2017
wow Katy Perry is trying so hard to be Wilson from home improvement right now #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/jpEXqGsVDQ
— Melanie Bracewell (@meladoodle) February 13, 2017
Nice tribute to the "Home Improvement" character Wilson by Katy Perry #Grammys pic.twitter.com/JvWbYenoR3
— JD Harmeyer (@jdharm) February 13, 2017
I just kept thinking of the neighbor on home improvement the entire Katy perry performance. pic.twitter.com/qH7nEYU7SC
— Nick Fradiani (@nickfradiani) February 13, 2017
Who wore it better? #GRAMMYs @katyperry pic.twitter.com/Adg71xEazQ
— don't bore us (@DontBoreUs) February 13, 2017
Producers: K so what is the inspo Katy
Katy Perry: I've been watching a lot of Home Improvement lately pic.twitter.com/HFTfxCec9S— Jax (@jaxonair) February 13, 2017
Not sure about that new Katy Perry song, but I liked the Home Improvement set and the Helena Bonham Carter sunglasses. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/XgWFtnenDF
— The Goods by Vox (@thegoods) February 13, 2017
We’re not hating of course – you simply can’t sing from behind a picket fence wearing sunglasses without conjuring up “Home Improvement.” Fortunately, for those of not into reliving the Clinton years, some non-Wilson jokes were made. Read on for a palate cleanser.
https://twitter.com/netw3rk/status/830967064152129536
Blonde business lesbian Katy Perry is my favorite Katy Perry. #GRAMMYs
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 13, 2017
Why does @katyperry look like she's about to create some trouble in the neighbourhood #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/dV1V4Oe2QU
— LiSTNR Entertainment (@LiSTNR_ent) February 13, 2017
Nice try Katy Perry but Donald Trump can't read pic.twitter.com/2aWyHdKDvj
— Eli Matthewson (@EliMatthewson) February 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/kashanacauley/status/830968931460509696