Katy Perry drops first new song since 2013; NBC to use song as anthem for Rio Olympics

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

8 years ago

In this April 3, 2016, file photo, Katy Perry arrives at the 51st annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Perry released “Rise” on July 14, 2016. The single marks her first new music since her 2013 album, “Prism.” (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Katy Perry arrives at Sean Parker and the Parker Foundation’s Gala Celebrating a Milestone in Medical Research on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP)

Katy Perry has released a new single that marks her first new music since her smash 2013 album, “Prism.”

Perry delivers soaring vocals on the song, “Rise,” to match inspirational lyrics, which include the line, “Victory is in your veins.”

The song is being released ahead of next month’s Olympics and Perry says NBC has chosen to use it as an anthem for the Rio Games. Perry has also put out a video for the song featuring Olympic athletes, including Gabrielle Douglas, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt.

Perry explains in a statement that she released the song now instead of waiting for her next album because there’s “a need for the world to unite.” She says she can’t think of a better example of coming together than the Olympic athletes.