The Writer of Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ Tells All

Katy Perry‘s “Firework” was co-written by one of the most important songwriters working in the business today. She revealed what it was like to work with the “California Gurls” singer. Interestingly, “Firework” was part of a larger trend that took the world by storm at the time.

‘Firework’ was co-written by someone who wasn’t impressed with Katy Perry’s fame

Paradoxically, Ester Dean is a superstar behind the scenes. She isn’t a household name, but she’s co-written hit songs like Rihanna’s “What’s My Name?” and “Where Have You Been,” Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass,” Beyoncé’s “Countdown,” and Perry’s “Firework.” During a 2011 interview with Billboard, Dean explained her approach to working with superstars. 

“I don’t dwell on celebrity,” she explained. “[Artists and producers] don’t want me to kiss their a** and be all over them like a groupie. They want me to deliver. Some people can’t get past the fact that they’re standing in front of so-and-so. For me, it’s ‘Let’s get down to business.'”

Dean discussed how she helped Perry make her ideas for “Firework” come to life. “That was me and Katy bouncing ideas back and forth,” she said. “Katy already had the concept and the name in her head. That was one of the times when you allow yourself to be led by somebody who knows what he or she wants. She knew what she wanted, so I was like, ‘I’ll follow you.'”

Katy Perry’s song was part of 1 of the defining trends of the 2010s

Dean’s version of events makes sense when you listen to her other songs. Many of the songs Dean has written have a heavy R&B influence or a dark electronic vibe. Meanwhile, “Firework” is so bright and happy that it’ll probably appear in a Disney television movie someday. The track was part of a larger trend of self-empowerment anthems that ruled the charts in 2010, 2011, and 2012, such as Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” Demi Lovato’s “Skyscraper,” Pink’s “Raise Your Glass,” Selena Gomez & the Scene’s “Who Says,” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”

Dean is incredibly talented and she was wise to let Perry lead her into uncharted territory. Perry went on to release several other empowering singles like “Part of Me,” “Wide Awake,” and “Roar,” but “Firework” will always remain her most beloved inspirational song. It will remain a mainstay of Independence Day celebrations in the United States for decades to come.

The world loved ‘Firework’

“Firework” became one of Perry’s biggest singles. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks, staying on the chart for 39 weeks in total. It was Perry’s most popular song in the United States besides “Dark Horse.”

The tune appeared on the album Teenage Dream. That record was No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for one week, lasting on the chart for 380 weeks. Teenage Dream produced five No. 1 singles: the title track, “Firework,” “California Gurls,” “E.T.,” and “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F).” All those songs helped make the early 2010s a magical time. Of all those singles, “Firework” might be the most popular today.

“Firework” is a classic self-empowerment anthem and Perry was the primary force that made it shine.