“I never really truly knew about unconditional love,” Power of Women honoree Katy Perry revealed. “Obviously my mother has that for me, but I didn’t really experience it in the first-person until I had my child. And that was just a whole ‘nother level. I think I see through the eyes of a child — like my life and my art always feels playful — so it’s amazing to be able to relate to kids even in your deep 30s. And they still want to hang and find you the most fun adult in the room. That is just the biggest gift in the world.”

While shooting her Variety Uncovered episode for the special POW issue, the singer and philanthropist elaborated on how her world has changed since recently becoming a mother. “Yes, some of my previous [charity] work with kids [in Make-A-Wish] and being an entertainer to kids as well has prepared me for motherhood, but nothing can prepare you for that wave of unconditional love.”

The Firework Foundation creator continued, “I never really truly knew about unconditional love. Obviously my mother has that for me, but I didn’t really experience it in the first-person until I had my child. And that was just a whole ‘nother level. I think I see through the eyes of a child — like my life and my art always feels playful — so it’s amazing to be able to relate to kids even in your deep 30s. And they still want to hang and find you the most fun adult in the room. That is just the biggest gift in the world. So I think, yes, some of my previous work with kids and being an entertainer to kids as well has prepared me for motherhood, but nothing can prepare you for that wave of unconditional love.”

Read the full Katy Perry Power of Women profile here. 

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