Swish Swish#Live performances

After Duke Dumont produced a track Perry recorded for H&M's 2015 holiday campaign called "Every Day Is a Holiday",{{cite news|last1=Grebey|first1=James|title=Hear a Snippet of Katy Perry and Duke Dumont's Upcoming Holiday Song|url=https://www.spin.com/2015/11/katy-perry-every-day-is-a-holiday-song-duke-dumont-teaser-stream/|access-date=August 29, 2017|work=Spin|date=November 11, 2015}} he expressed interest in working with the singer again, adding: "I think we could switch things up a little more for the next record. Who knows what we could do?"{{cite news|last1=Press Trust of India|title=Duke Dumont wishes to create new hit for Katy Perry|url=http://www.india.com/showbiz/duke-dumont-wishes-to-create-new-hit-for-katy-perry-1312221/|access-date=August 29, 2017|work=India.com|date=July 6, 2017}} Eventually, they paired together to work on the record, with Dumont claiming that Perry was a fan of his music and that they kept in touch, noting that "her vision for the album wasn't a million miles away from the stuff I'm making." He added: "[...] working on this project it was great seeing what her vision was for the album and being able to help with that. I am genuinely excited for the music." Dumont also said that "it was a very easy process and we made the song quickly. And then about two weeks ago I heard that [Nicki Minaj] is going to feature on it, it was very quick."{{cite news|title=Duke Dumont: Katy Perry's new album is similar to my stuff|url=http://www.celebretainment.com/music/duke-dumont-katy-perry-s-new-album-is-similar-to/article_b825cf46-0e2c-5841-b5e6-498ca89e01e5.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602135359/http://www.celebretainment.com/music/duke-dumont-katy-perry-s-new-album-is-similar-to/article_b825cf46-0e2c-5841-b5e6-498ca89e01e5.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 2, 2017|access-date=August 29, 2017|work=Celebretainment|date=June 2, 2017}}

Minaj's appearance on the track was only discovered when the song was released. Minaj and Perry previously worked together on Minaj's song "Get on Your Knees", with Perry writing it with the rapper. However, she did not have time to record her vocals, and Ariana Grande ended up singing the song. As Perry recalled, "We've always wanted to collaborate, we've done so many things together... we did a VH1 show. [...] I actually sent her a couple of songs before these songs were out and she loved 'Swish Swish' the most and she just did it so much justice. Honestly, I just want her to do the whole song."{{cite web|title=Katy Perry - Swish Swish Lyrics|url=https://genius.com/Katy-perry-swish-swish-lyrics|website=Genius|access-date=September 5, 2017}} Perry also talked about Minaj's rap skills, commenting: "With Nicki, she's such a [boss-ass bitch] that you can send her anything and her pen game is crazy." On May 18, 2017, Perry announced on Instagram the track would be released at midnight Eastern time.{{cite web|title=Pre-order WITNESS get SWISH SWISH ft. @NICKIMINAJ link in bio #WITNESS #SWISHSWISH|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BUQkbM2DR6y/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BUQkbM2DR6y |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|publisher=Instagram|access-date=September 1, 2017}}{{cbignore}} "Swish Swish" was released the next day as the third single from her fifth album Witness, and was included along with the pre-order of the album upon its debut.{{cite news|title=Pre-Order Launches for Katy Perry's New Album, Witness, Set for Release on June 9|url=https://www.katyperry.com/pre-order-launches-katy-perrys-new-album-witness-set-release-june-9/|access-date=September 1, 2017|work=KatyPerry.com|date=May 19, 2017}}{{cite magazine|last1=Moore |first1=Sam |title=Listen to Katy Perry's new song 'Swish Swish', featuring Nicki Minaj |magazine=NME |date=May 19, 2017 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/katy-perry-nicki-minaj-swish-swish-2074236|access-date=September 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519153334/http://www.nme.com/news/music/katy-perry-nicki-minaj-swish-swish-2074236 |archive-date=May 19, 2017 }} Its single cover features Perry's "blinged-out hand holding receipts from a place called 'Karma Coffee & Tea'." On May 26, 2017, Capitol Records confirmed it would focus on promoting "Swish Swish" to pop radio.{{cite magazine|last1=Trust|first1=Gary|title=Hot 100 Chart Moves: Katy Perry's 'Bon Appetit' Re-Enters, But Single Switches to 'Swish Swish'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7809493/hot-100-chart-moves-katy-perry-bon-appetit-swish-swish|magazine=Billboard|date=May 26, 2017|access-date=May 26, 2017}}

"Swish Swish" was written by Perry with Duke Dumont, Sarah Hudson, PJ "Promnite" Sledge, Minaj, and Brittany Hazzard, while its production was done by Dumont with additional production by Sledge and Noah "Mailbox" Passovoy.{{cite web|title=Witness / Katy Perry TIDAL|url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/74760061|publisher=TIDAL|access-date=September 1, 2017}} The song samples "I Get Deep" by Roland Clark. "Swish Swish" was noted to have a beat similar to Maya Jane Coles' "What They Say" (2010).{{cite news|last1=Munzenrieder|first1=Kyle|title=Katy Perry's "Swish, Swish": A Breakdown of the Song's Many References and Influences (and Taylor Swift Digs)|url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/katy-perry-swish-swish-references-taylor-swift|access-date=September 1, 2017|work=W|date=May 19, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=O'Neill|first1=Lauren|title=All the British References Duke Dumont Snuck on Katy Perry's "Swish Swish"|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/katy-perry-swish-swish-duke-dumont-nicki-minaj/|access-date=September 1, 2017|work=Noisey|date=May 19, 2017}} The song is performed in the key of F minor with a tempo of 120 beats per minute in common time. It follows a chord progression of Cm{{small|7}}–A♭maj{{small|7}}–Gm{{small|7}}–Cm{{small|7}}–A♭maj{{small|7}}–Fm{{small|7}}, and Perry's vocals span from E♭₃ to A♭₄.{{Cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0174471|title=Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj "Swish Swish" Sheet Music in E♭ Major - Download & Print|first=Katy|last=Perry|website=Musicnotes.com|date=May 23, 2017 |access-date=May 23, 2017}} The track is four minutes and two seconds long.{{cite web|title=Witness by Katy Perry on Apple Music|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/witness/id1236460498|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519054054/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/witness/id1236460498|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2017|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=May 19, 2017|format=Credits can be obtained from the songs once added to the iTunes library}} "Swish Swish" is a house-inspired{{cite magazine|title=Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj Score with 'Swish Swish': Listen|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7800969/katy-perry-and-nicki-minaj-score-with-swish-swish-listen|magazine=Billboard|date=May 19, 2017|access-date=May 19, 2017}} EDM song.{{cite web|last1=Erlewine|first1=Stephen Thomas|title=Witness - Katy Perry | AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/witness-mw0003053053|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=September 7, 2017}} Raisa Bruner of Time defined it as a hip hop song.{{cite magazine|last1=Bruner|first1=Raisa|title=Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj's New Song 'Swish Swish' Is Inspiring Some Strong Internet Reactions|url=https://time.com/4786126/katy-perry-nicki-minaj-swish-swish/|magazine=Time|date=May 19, 2017|access-date=May 19, 2017}} It starts with a sparse piano,{{cite magazine|last1=Spanos|first1=Brittany |title=Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj's 'Swish Swish' Warns Adversary: 'Don't Come For Me' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-katy-perry-nicki-minajs-boastful-swish-swish-w483182|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 19, 2017|access-date=May 19, 2017}} before the "club-ready beat" kicks in. Lyrically, "Swish Swish" uses basketball metaphors to talk about getting over the haters. As added by Da'Shan Smith of Billboard "'Swish Swish' "is targeted towards a 'sheep' who is 'calculated' but not capable of bringing down Perry's spirits."{{cite magazine|last1=Smith|first1=Da'Shan|title=From Katy Perry's 'Swish Swish' to Justin Timberlake's 'Cry Me A River': 7 Notable Pop Diss Tracks|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7801080/pop-diss-tracks-katy-perry-swish-taylor-swift-timberlake|access-date=September 7, 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=May 19, 2017}} Perry stated "Swish Swish" represents "a liberation from all the negative that doesn't serve you" as part of the "360-degree liberation" theme of her Witness album. She also called it a "great anthem for people to use when someone's trying to hold you down or bully you".{{cite web|last1=Hughes|first1=Hilary|title=Katy Perry Explains That 'Swish Swish' Wasn't Inspired By One Particular Person|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3014863/katy-perry-swish-swish-anti-bully-anthem/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523024738/http://www.mtv.com/news/3014863/katy-perry-swish-swish-anti-bully-anthem/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 23, 2017|publisher=MTV News|access-date=May 20, 2017}} The song starts with Perry comparing herself to a tiger, "declaring that one 'don't lose no sleep/ don't need opinions/ from a shellfish or a sheep.'" During the song, she claims herself as a "courtside killer queen," and in the chorus, Perry "sweetly" sings "'Swish swish, bish. Another one in the basket!'."{{cite news|last1=Wass|first1=Mike|title=Is Katy Perry & Nicki Minaj's "Swish Swish" A Taylor Swift Diss Track?|url=http://www.idolator.com/7663182/katy-perry-swish-swish-nicki-minaj-taylor-diss-review|access-date=September 7, 2017|work=Idolator|date=May 19, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Minaj's rap alludes to her "silly rap beefs" as well as Migos.

Following its release, several publications suggested that "Swish Swish" was a diss track in response to Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" (2014), which was believed to be about Perry.{{cite news|last1=Crucchiola|first1=Jordan|title=Is Katy Perry's New Song 'Swish Swish' a Taylor Swift Diss Track?|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/05/katy-perry-swish-swish-taylor-swift.html|access-date=September 8, 2017|work=Vulture|date=May 19, 2017}} Before the song being released, Perry was asked if there was a reaction to "Bad Blood" on Witness, with Perry replying: "I think [my new album is] a very empowered record. There is no one thing that's calling out any one person. One thing to note is: You can't mistake kindness for weakness and don't come for me. Anyone. Anyone. Anyone. Anyone. And that's not to any one person and don't quote me that it is, because it's not. It's not about that. Honestly, when women come together and they decide to unite, this world is going to be a better place. Period end of story. But, let me say this: Everything has a reaction or a consequence so don't forget about that, okay, honey."{{cite magazine|last1=Stack|first1=Tim|title=Katy Perry talks 'brave' new album and if there's a response to 'Bad Blood'|url=https://ew.com/music/2017/05/08/katy-perry-new-album/|access-date=September 8, 2017|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=May 8, 2017}} When asked if the song was directed at anyone in particular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Perry simply replied that the song is an anti-bullying anthem.{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/21/katy-perry-reveals-that-taylor-swift-diss-track-swish-swish-is-about-being-liberated-from-bullies-6651130/|title=Katy Perry reveals 'Taylor Swift diss track' Swish Swish is about bullies|last=Duncan|first=Amy|date=May 21, 2017|website=Metro|access-date=May 21, 2017}} Additionally, Nicki Minaj's verse contains the line, "Silly rap beefs just get me more checks," which addresses Minaj's own purported "beef" with rapper Remy Ma, while also referring to her as a stan.{{cite web|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2017/05/19/nicki-minaj-swish-swish-remy-ma-diss-katy-perry-lyrics/|title=Nicki Minaj Goes Off on Remy Ma in Scathing 'Swish Swish' Verse – See Lyrics|last=Norwin|first=Alyssa|date=May 19, 2017|website=Hollywood Life|access-date=May 21, 2017|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624151853/http://hollywoodlife.com/2017/05/19/nicki-minaj-swish-swish-remy-ma-diss-katy-perry-lyrics/|url-status=dead}} On May 22, 2017, while appearing on the Carpool Karaoke segment on The Late Late Show with James Corden, after singing to "Swish Swish", James Corden asked Perry about a 2013{{cite magazine|last1=Spanos|first1=Brittany|title=Katy Perry Vs. Taylor Swift: Pop Stars' Beef History Explained|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/katy-perry-vs-taylor-swift-pop-stars-beef-history-explained-w483234|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=May 23, 2017}} feud between her and Swift. "There's a situation. [...] Honestly, it's really like she started it, and it's time for her to finish it."{{cite news|last1=Piester|first1=Lauren|title=Katy Perry Addresses Taylor Swift Feud on Carpool Karaoke|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/856126/katy-perry-s-carpool-karaoke-addresses-feud-with-taylor-swift-she-started-it-and-it-s-time-for-her-to-finish-it|publisher=E!|date=May 23, 2017 |access-date=May 23, 2017}} She also added: "[T]here is the law of cause and effect. You do something, there's going to be a reaction, and trust me daddy, there's going to be a reaction. It's all about karma, right?."

File:Nicki Minaj 4, 2012.jpg contributed a rap verse to "Swish Swish".]]

"Swish Swish" divided music critics at release. Leonie Cooper of NME was very positive, noting that "calling in Nicki Minaj's fast and furious flow for the Fatboy Slim-sampling 'Swish Swish', meanwhile, is something of a master stroke, turning a good song into a great one."{{cite news|last1=Cooper|first1=Leonie|title=Katy Perry – 'Witness' Review|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/katy-perry-album-witness-review|access-date=September 12, 2017|work=NME|date=June 9, 2017}} Raisa Bruner of Time defined the song as "a feisty hip-hop track that lets both artists show off their respective areas of expertise". Rianne Houghton of Digital Spy called it "a sexy, shady banger, and it's all about keeping receipts."{{cite news|last1=Houghton|first1=Rianne|title=Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj team up for brand new song 'Swish Swish'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a828687/katy-perry-nicki-minaj-swish-swish-taylor-swift/|access-date=September 12, 2017|publisher=Digital Spy|date=May 19, 2017}} Hannah J Davies of The Guardian claimed that the song "is a house-fuelled banger with undeniable groove and nonsense content."{{cite news|last1=J Davies|first1=Hannah|title=Katy Perry: Witness review – edgy, new-look Perry keeps melodic flair|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jun/08/katy-perry-witness-review-edgy-new-look-perry-keeps-melodic-flair|access-date=September 12, 2017|work=The Guardian|date=June 8, 2017}} Kevin O'Donnell of Entertainment Weekly called "Swish Swish" "one of the best party-starters of her career, destined for some killer remixes," also praising the "fiery verse" from Nicki Minaj.{{cite magazine|last1=O'Donnell|first1=Kevin|title=Katy Perry is reflective, anxious, and fired up on Witness: EW review|url=https://ew.com/music/2017/06/08/katy-perry-witness-review/|access-date=September 12, 2017|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 8, 2017}}

Nylon writer Sydney Gore also praised Minaj for being "absolutely ruthless when she comes in toward the end."{{cite web|url=http://www.nylon.com/articles/katy-perry-nicki-minaj-swish-swish|title=Katy Perry Taps Nicki Minaj For 'Swish Swish'|last=Gore|first=Sydney|website=Nylon|date=May 19, 2017 |access-date=May 19, 2017}} Kitty Empire of The Observer also noted that "the Roland Clark sample" and "the ever-inventive Nicki Minaj, provides more top-flight, shade-throwing diva product."{{cite news|last1=Empire|first1=Kitty|title=Katy Perry: Witness review – 'purposeful pop' proves tricky to pull off|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jun/11/katy-perry-witness-review|access-date=September 12, 2017|work=The Observer|date=June 11, 2017}} Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine praised that Perry "convincingly dabbles in house" in the song.{{cite news|last1=Cinquemani|first1=Sal|title=Katy Perry: Witness|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/katy-perry-witness|access-date=September 12, 2017|work=Slant Magazine|date=June 9, 2017}} Wren Graves for Consequence of Sound picked as the album's standout track, defining it as a "spunky, funky kiss-off track with a spellbinding beat by Duke Dumont, [where] Perry is deadly with her put-downs" and "Nicki Minaj is trotted out for punchline duty and punches gamely."{{cite news|last1=Graves|first1=Wren|title=Katy Perry – Witness|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/06/album-review-katy-perry-witness/|access-date=September 12, 2017|publisher=Consequence of Sound|date=June 6, 2017}} Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic also selected it as a highlight from the album. Mikael Wood of Los Angeles Times thought the song was "a delight as Perry rhymes 'another one in the basket' with 'another one in the casket' over Duke Dumont's thrusting '90s-house beat".{{cite news|last1=Wood|first1=Mikael|title=Review Katy Perry is a woman of many minds on 'Witness'|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-katy-perry-witness-review-20170607-story.html|access-date=September 13, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 7, 2017}}

Jillian Mapes of Pitchfork was less favorable, declaring: "If you're going to do something as tired as fueling this beef, at least give us the satisfaction of making it deliciously shady."{{cite news|last1=Mapes|first1=Jillian|title=Katy Perry: Witness Album Review|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/katy-perry-witness/|access-date=September 12, 2017|work=Pitchfork|date=June 14, 2017}} Anna Gaca of Spin noted it as "another single that makes little sense", and "a random grab bag of Perry's vocals, obnoxious voice-altering effects, and piano flourishes, all laid over a house-inflected beat".{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2017/05/review-katy-perry-taylor-swift-diss-swish-swish/|title=Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" Review|last1=Gaca|first1=Anna|date=May 19, 2017|website=Spin|access-date=May 19, 2017}} Gavin Miller of Drowned in Sound was mixed in his review, calling "largely just a deep house track with Katy Perry singing a topline, which isn't a bad thing," but felt the producers were "just offering up tunes they've had on their hard drives for Perry's team to compartmentalise and see what demographics they represent."{{cite news|last1=Miller|first1=Gavin|title=Album Review: Katy Perry - Witness|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/19983/reviews/4151137|access-date=September 13, 2017|work=Drowned in Sound|date=June 28, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913091654/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/19983/reviews/4151137|url-status=dead}} Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph felt the song was "too generic to land any blows,"{{cite news|last1=McCormick|first1=Neil|title=This is pop that is not fit for purpose – Katy Perry, Witness, review|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/katy-perry-witness-album-review/|access-date=September 13, 2017|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=June 9, 2017}} while Mike Wass of Idolator felt Minaj's verse was "generic" and that it "sounds like a rehash of every feature she has released in 2017."

Retrospectively, Christopher Rosa of Glamour called the song a "moment of brilliance" on Witness with its "basement rave-ready beat and cheeky lyrics". He also ranked "Swish Swish" as Perry's overall 8th best track made.{{Cite magazine |last=Rosa |first=Christopher |date=October 21, 2020|title=Katy Perry's 10 Best (and Worst) Songs|url=https://www.glamour.com/story/katy-perry-best-and-worst-songs|access-date=November 23, 2021|magazine=Glamour}} Entertainment Weekly deemed it her 10th best song and a "vogue-worthy tribute to 90's house music, complete with hissing hi-hats, endearingly goofy lyrics", adding that Minaj's guest verse was "gag-worthy".{{Cite magazine |date=October 25, 2017 |title=Every Katy Perry song, ranked|url=https://ew.com/music/2017/10/25/katy-perry-song-ranking/|access-date=August 14, 2024|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}

File:Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj (cropped).jpg.]]

In the United States, "Swish Swish" debuted and peaked at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100{{cite magazine|last1=Trust|first1=Gary|title=Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Lead Hot 100, Ed Sheeran Sets Record in Top Five|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7809684/hot-100-luis-fonsi-daddy-yankee-despacito-ed-sheeran-record|access-date=September 14, 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=May 30, 2017}} while reaching number 33 on the Pop Songs chart. The song fared better on the Dance Club Songs chart, becoming her 18th number-one on the chart. By having eighteen songs at the top, Perry became the fifth singer with most number-ones on the Dance Club charts and extended her record for most consecutive number-one songs on the chart.{{cite magazine|last1=Murray|first1=Gordon|title=Another One in the Basket: Katy Perry Nets 18th Club No. 1 With 'Swish Swish'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7865881/katy-perry-swish-swish-dance-club-songs-number-one|access-date=September 14, 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=July 13, 2017}} As of September 2017, it has sold 165,288 copies in the country,{{cite news|url=http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-9-14-17.pdf|title=Nielsen SoundScan charts – Digital Songs – Week Ending: 09/14/2017|publisher=Nielsen SoundScan|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919211714/http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-9-14-17.pdf|archive-date=September 19, 2017}} and has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In Canada, the song first opened at number 27 on the Canadian Hot 100.{{cite magazine|title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs|date=June 10, 2017|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2017-06-10|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 14, 2017}} "Swish Swish" later climbed to number 13, becoming Perry's 22nd top-twenty entry in the nation.{{cite magazine|title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs|date=September 16, 2017|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2017-09-16|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915012545/http://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2017-09-16|archive-date=September 15, 2017}} It has since been certified Platinum by Music Canada (MC) for shipments of 80,000 units.

In Australia, "Swish Swish" first entered at number 37 on the ARIA Charts on June 4, 2017, before peaking at number 22 in July. In the United Kingdom, "Swish Swish" debuted at number 40 on the UK Singles Chart.{{cite web|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20170526/7501/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=September 14, 2017|date=May 26, 2017}} It ascended to number 29 following the music video's release as well as Perry and Minaj's live performance of the track at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards,{{cite web|title=Taylor Swift scores first Number 1 on the Official Singles Chart with 'LWYMMD'|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/taylor-swift-scores-first-number-1-on-the-official-singles-chart-with-lwymmd__20320/|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=September 1, 2017|access-date=September 1, 2017|first=Jack|last=White}} and later reached number 19 in the nation. "Swish Swish" has also been certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments of 600,000 units. In Germany, "Swish Swish" became Perry's lowest charting single, peaking at number 76; despite this, the single got certified Gold by BMVI for shipments of 200,000 units.{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-1662395 |title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts|publisher=Gfk Entertainment Charts|access-date=September 17, 2017}}

In France, the song became the lowest charting song for Perry, peaking at number 117 and stayed 7 weeks, before being dethroned by "365" (2019) then by "Woman's World" (2024). However, it was the 34th entry in the French Singles Chart for Minaj and her 5th entry in 2017, becoming the only female rapper who have the most entries that year in the country.

The song was certified gold, becoming Perry's fourth gold certification and Minaj's fifth.{{cite web|url=https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Katy+Perry+feat%2E+Nicki+Minaj&titel=Swish+Swish&cat=s |title=Katy Perry - Swish Swish feat. Nicki Minaj|publisher=lescharts.com |access-date=September 13, 2017}}

File:Gretchen cantora 2.jpg appeared in the song's lyric video.]]

A lyric video for the song was released on YouTube on July 3, 2017, and features Brazilian singer and reality television personality Gretchen.{{cite web|last1=Wass|first1=Mike|title=Gif Queen Gretchen Stars In Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" Lyric Video|url=https://www.idolator.com/7665677/katy-perry-swish-swish-lyric-video-gretchen-preview|publisher=idolator|access-date=July 3, 2017|date=July 3, 2017|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009181427/http://www.idolator.com/7665677/katy-perry-swish-swish-lyric-video-gretchen-preview|url-status=dead}} It was directed by Dario Vetere, and it features choreography by Fabio Duarte and CK Calasans.{{cite magazine|title=Katy Perry's 'Swish Swish' Lyric Video Stars Brazilian Singer Gretchen: Watch|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7851964/katy-perry-swish-swish-lyric-video-gretchen|magazine=Billboard|last=Iasimone|first=Ashley|date=July 4, 2017|access-date=July 6, 2017}} Two days later, Perry announced a contest titled the "#SwishSwishChallenge" for dancers to appear in the song's official music video where candidates submit videos of themselves dancing, and she would select her favorite dancer. After applicants posted their entries by the end of July 12, the video was filmed later in the month.{{cite magazine|last1=Stutz|first1=Colin|title=Katy Perry Announces Dance Contest for 'Swish Swish' Music Video|magazine=Billboard|date=July 5, 2017|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7857178/katy-perry-dance-contest-swish-swish-music-video|access-date=July 7, 2017}} A teaser for the official video was posted on August 21, 2017, on Perry's personal YouTube account.{{cite web|first=Katy|last=Perry|title=Katy Perry – Swish Swish (Music Video Trailer)|via=YouTube |date=August 21, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbDRwIinILo|access-date=August 22, 2017}}

The official music video for the single was directed by Dave Meyers and released on August 24, 2017. It includes appearances from Russell Horning, Gaten Matarazzo, Jenna Ushkowitz, Doug the Pug, Christine Sydelko, Dexter Mayfield, Rob Gronkowski, Joey Chestnut, Molly Shannon, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rich Eisen, Bill Walton, and Terry Crews. Awesome Kong, Britney Young, Sydelle Noel, Ellen Wong, and Jackie Tohn make appearances as their characters from GLOW. In the video, Perry plays "Kobe Perry" the captain of the basketball team "The Tigers" whose opponents are known as "The Sheep", and Minaj performs during the game's halftime show. The video also features the brief reappearance of Kathy Beth Terry, Perry's character from "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)",{{cite magazine|last1=Bell|first1=Sadie|title=Here Are All the Cameos From Katy Perry's 'Swish Swish' Music Video|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7941788/katy-perry-swish-swish-video-cameos|magazine=Billboard|date=August 24, 2017|access-date=August 24, 2017}} as well as a short gameplay clip from Just Dance 2018 and a brief segment featuring the Bag Raiders song, "Shooting Stars".{{cite news|last1=Jenke|first1=Tyler|last2=Reid|first2=Poppy|title=Finally, a 'Shooting Stars' meme reference that isn't ripping Bag Raiders off|url=http://www.theindustryobserver.com.au/finally-a-shooting-stars-meme-reference-that-isnt-ripping-bag-raiders-off/|work=The Industry Observer|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=August 27, 2017}} The Kazimierz Górski National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, was used for exterior views of the venue in the video.{{cite web|url=http://www.plotek.pl/plotek/7,78649,22273051,dzieki-katy-perry-caly-swiat-zobaczy-warszawe-stadion-narodowy.html|title=Dzięki Katy Perry cały świat zobaczył Warszawę. Stadion Narodowy w najnowszym teledysku piosenkarki|work=Plotek|language=pl|date=August 24, 2017|access-date=August 29, 2017}} The official music video has over 687 million views on YouTube as of July 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGk5fR-t5AU|title=Katy Perry – Swish Swish (Official) ft. Nicki Minaj|via=YouTube |date=August 24, 2017}}

Elias Leight of Rolling Stone named it "goofy".{{cite magazine|last1=Leight|first1=Elias|title=See Katy Perry's Goofy, Cameo-Filled Video for Basketball-Themed 'Swish Swish'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-katy-perrys-goofy-cameo-filled-swish-swish-video-w499320|access-date=September 15, 2017|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=August 24, 2017}} Dave Holmes of Esquire noted that "like all great pop music videos, 'Swish Swish' leaves you exhausted, annoyed, confused, and a good seven years older than you were six minutes ago. It's a shame, too, because when Katy Perry stops trying to be your hilarious best friend, she's capable of great pop music."{{cite news|last1=Holmes|first1=Dave|title=Katy Perry Is Doing a Great Job|url=http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a57193/katy-perry-swish-swish-video/|access-date=September 15, 2017|work=Esquire|date=August 25, 2017}} Jordan Sargent of Spin wrote that the video was "bad", though added "it does at least feel like Katy Perry in all her messy glory. Still, there's a gulf between Perry's slapstick character and the fang-toothed, confrontational song that's impossible to bridge. As such, Perry barely even performs the song during the video. Instead, it's as if 'Swish Swish' is the music playing softly behind a comedy sketch that you're not really meant to pay attention to."{{cite news|last1=Sargent|first1=Jordan|title=Katy Perry Finally Abandons "Swish Swish"|url=https://www.spin.com/2017/08/katy-perry-swish-swish-video-review/|access-date=September 15, 2017|work=Spin|date=August 24, 2017}}

File:Katy Perry at Madison Square Garden (37436530732).jpg, in a basketball themed setting]]

Perry performed "Swish Swish" solo on the Saturday Night Live season finale on May 20, 2017.{{cite web|title=Katy Perry: Swish Swish - SNL|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt8mqwdf3KE|via=YouTube|access-date=May 21, 2017|date=May 20, 2017}} The performance quickly went viral, with much of the attention coming towards teen dancer Russell Horning, dubbed the "Backpack Kid", whose arm-swinging dance move ("the Floss") became widely imitated.{{cite web|last1=Mallenbaum|first1=Carly|title=What's in the bag, bro? 'SNL' Backpack Kid who upstaged Katy Perry tells us|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/05/21/backpack-kid-katy-perry-saturday-night-live/101988454/|work=USA Today|date=May 21, 2017|access-date=June 3, 2017}} Perry also performed the song during her set on BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend on May 27, 2017,{{cite web|title=Katy Perry at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2017|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/eppp6q/acts/a3vqwh|website=BBC|access-date=September 15, 2017}} the Glastonbury Festival 2017 on June 24, 2017,{{cite news|last1=Lynskey|first1=Dorian|title=Glastonbury 2017: Katy Perry and Craig David win over crowds with hits and self-deprecation|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jun/24/glastonbury-katy-perry-craig-david-pop|access-date=September 15, 2017|work=The Observer|date=June 25, 2017}} as well as on The Voice finale on July 2, 2017,{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/the-voice-australia-katy-perry-pictured-at-airport-during-live-performance/news-story/fa2a6fa19670830a109d09cde61dfaf9|title=The Voice Australia: Katy Perry pictured at airport during 'live' performance|work=News.com.au|date=July 4, 2017|access-date=August 31, 2017}} featuring male dancers in high heels. On June 26, Minaj performed a verse of the song at the first-ever 2017 NBA Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/05/25/nicki-minaj-perform-nba-awards|title=Nicki Minaj to perform at NBA Awards|website=NBA.com|access-date=October 15, 2017}} Perry also performed the song live with Minaj for the first time at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite magazine|last1=Lynch|first1=Joe|title=Katy Perry & Nicki Minaj Bring 'Swish Swish' to 2017 VMAs|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/vma/7942150/katy-perry-2017-vmas-swish-swish|access-date=September 15, 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=August 27, 2017}} As stated by Billboard{{'s}} Joe Lynch, Perry started the performance "standing atop an enormous half-basketball on stage." As Lynch wrote, "her backup dancers sport[ed] nets-for-veils on their faces", while later "the half-basketball rotated around to reveal Nicki Minaj hidden inside." Near the end of the performance, Perry flew "above the crowd and landing atop a basketball hoop just in time to end the show on a literal slam dunk while basketball balloons dropped over the crowd." The song was also performed on Perry's Witness: The Tour. Halfway through the performance, Perry would invite a member from the audience onstage for a basketball shooting contest.{{cite web|last1=Downing|first1=Andy|title=Concert review: Katy Perry at the Schottenstein Center|url=http://www.columbusalive.com/news/20170925/concert-review-katy-perry-at-schottenstein-center|work=Columbus Alive|access-date=September 29, 2017|date=September 25, 2017}}

• Digital download

1. "Swish Swish" (featuring Nicki Minaj) – 4:02

• Digital download (Cheat Codes remix){{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/swish-swish-cheat-codes-remix-single/1252834237|title=iTunes – Music – Swish Swish (Cheat Codes Remix) – Single by Katy Perry|work=iTunes Store (GB)|date=June 30, 2017 }}

1. "Swish Swish" (Cheat Codes remix; featuring Nicki Minaj) – 3:01

• Digital download (Valentino Khan remix){{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/swish-swish-valentino-khan-remix-feat-nicki-minaj-single/1252090537|title=iTunes – Music – Swish Swish (Valentino Khan Remix) [feat. Nicki Minaj] – Single by Katy Perry|work=iTunes Store (GB)|date=June 30, 2017 }}

1. "Swish Swish" (Valentino Khan remix; featuring Nicki Minaj) – 3:20

• Digital download (Blonde remix)

1. "Swish Swish" (Blonde remix) – 4:06

• Recorded at Unsub Studios (Los Angeles, California), Blasé Boys Studios (Hertfordshire, England), Jungle City Studios (New York City, New York) and Glenwood Place Studios (Burbank, California)
• Mixed at MixStar Studios (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
• Mastered at Sterling Sound (New York City, New York)

{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

• Katy Perry – lead vocals, songwriter
• Nicki Minaj – featured vocals, songwriter
• Duke Dumont – songwriter, producer, synths, drums, programming
• PJ "Promnite" Sledge – songwriter, additional producer, keyboards
• Noah "Mailbox" Passovoy – additional producer, engineering, vocal producer, additional keys, programming
• Sarah Hudson – songwriter
• Rachael Findlen – engineering
• Zeke Mishanec – engineering assistant
• Aubry "Big Juice" Delaine – additional engineering, vocals recording (Nicki Minaj)
• Ian Findlay – vocals engineering assistant (Nicki Minaj)
• Serban Ghenea – mixing
• John Hanes – mixing engineering
• Randy Merrill – mastering

{{Div col end}}

Credits and personnel adapted from Witness album liner notes.{{cite AV media notes |title=Witness |title-link=Witness (Katy Perry album) |year=2017 |page=4, 14 |type=CD |publisher=Capitol Records |id=060255769935}}

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Swish Swish"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|title=|artist=|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2017|certyear=2023|access-date=November 25, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Katy Perry|title=Swish Swish|award=Diamond|type=single|relyear=2017|relmonth=5|certyear=2018|access-date=June 6, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj|title=Swish Swish|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2017|access-date=September 20, 2017|refname=MC}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj|title=Swish Swish|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2023|id=13257|access-date=December 5, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj|title=Swish Swish|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2018|certmonth=03|access-date=March 27, 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj|title=Swish Swish|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2020|access-date=March 30, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj|title=Swish Swish|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2017|id=4877|access-date=October 23, 2017}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj|title=Swsh Swish|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2024|access-date=December 14, 2024|certref={{cite web|url=https://www.radioscope.co.nz/2024/00/00/single-cert-search/|title=New Zealand single certifications – Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj – Swish Swish|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|access-date=December 14, 2024}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Katy Perry|title=Swish Swish|region=Norway|relyear=2017|certyear=2020|award=Gold|type=single|access-date=October 29, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj|title=Swish Swish|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2023|access-date=July 5, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Katy Perry / Nicki Minaj|title=Swish Swish|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2024|id=katy-perry-nicki-minaj-swish-swish|access-date=March 3, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Katy Perry ft Nicki Minaj|title=Swish Swish|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2021|id=14529-4486-1|access-date=January 9, 2021|refname=BPI}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Katy Perry|title=Swish Swish|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2018|access-date=February 25, 2018|refname=RIAA|salesamount=1,000,000^{{{double-dagger}}} / 165,288|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|nosales=true|noshipments=true}}

• List of Billboard Dance Club Songs number ones of 2017

{{Reflist}}

• {{YouTube|iGk5fR-t5AU|"Swish Swish" (Music Video) feat. Nicki Minaj}}
• {{YouTube|X0ZVaFO7cGE|"Swish Swish" (Lyric video)}}

{{Katy Perry}}

{{Nicki Minaj songs}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2017 singles

Category:2017 songs

Category:Capitol Records singles

Category:Katy Perry songs

Category:Music videos directed by Dave Meyers (director)

Category:Nicki Minaj songs

Category:Songs written by Katy Perry

Category:Songs written by Nicki Minaj

Category:Songs written by Sarah Hudson (singer)

Category:Songs written by Starrah

Category:Diss tracks

Category:Songs written by Duke Dumont

Category:Songs about bullying

Category:Electronic dance music songs