Unconditionally

"Unconditionally" was written by Perry alongside its producers Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Cirkut. Perry denoted the song as her favorite within the record. She also mentioned that she wrote the song bearing in mind the sentiments she had felt during her UNICEF humanitarian trip to Madagascar in April 2013. Such sentiments inspired her to delve into the theme of unconditional love. She stated that, while on that voyage, Perry and her team would "go in cruisers up the mountain" to see newly constructed schools. After observing a group of children, she realized that even without social networking, they felt "pure" unconditional love towards each other.{{cite news|last=Montgomery|first=James|title=Katy Perry Reveals Secret Formula For Single Success: 'The Goose Bump Test'|url= https://www.mtv.com/news/clj6h7/katy-perry-unconditionally-goosebumps|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230323171611/https://www.mtv.com/news/clj6h7/katy-perry-unconditionally-goosebumps|url-status= dead|archive-date= March 23, 2023|publisher=MTV News|date=November 20, 2013|access-date=March 23, 2013}}

Inspired by that situation, the song was described by Perry as approaching all forms of love. "I love this song because not only can it be a romantic, intimate song", she expounded. "But it can be about the type of love that a mother has when she sees her first child, or best friends [...] It is a transcendent love, not just relationship status." "Unconditionally" was also inspired by the acceptance of one's flaws in a relationship, which Perry believed was relatable to listeners.{{cite web|publisher=MTV UK. Viacom Media Networks.|access-date=March 9, 2014|date=October 24, 2013|title=Katy Perry 'Was Scared To Be Accepted in Relationships'|url=https://www.mtv.co.uk/news/xsdyrh/katy-perry-was-scared-to-be-accepted-in-relationships}} It was engineered by Peter Carlsson, Clint Gibbs, Sam Holland, and Michael Illbert, with assistance by Eric Eylands, Rachael Findlen, Justin Fox, and Cory Bice, at the MXM Studios in Stockholm, Sweden and Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, California. Perry also handled vocal production. Engineering for mix was carried out by John Hanes and final mixing was helmed by Serban Ghenea at the MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia.{{cite AV media notes |title=Prism |title-link=Prism (Katy Perry album) |others=Katy Perry |year=2013 |type=liner notes |publisher=Capitol Records |location=United States}}

At a length of three minutes and forty-eight seconds (3:48), "Unconditionally" is a pop{{cite web|last=Copsey|first=Robert|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/feature/a525129/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear/|title=Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear|work=Digital Spy|date=October 21, 2013|access-date=February 21, 2019}} power ballad, which is styled in the genre of rock.{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/prism-deluxe-version/690928033 |title=Prism (Deluxe) – Katy Perry|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple|access-date=March 8, 2014 |date=October 22, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.fuse.tv/2013/10/katy-perry-unconditionally |title=Listen: Katy Perry Wails on New Single 'Unconditionally' |first=Jeff |last=Benjamin |publisher=Fuse. The Madison Square Garden Company. |access-date=March 8, 2014 |date=October 16, 2013 }} According to the sheet music published by Kobalt Music Publishing America, Inc. at Musicnotes.com, it is written in the key of E minor. It paces at a moderately fast metronome, at approximately 126-132 beats per minute, while it is set at a 4/4 time signature, following a chord progression of Em–C–G–D. Perry's vocals in the track span from G{{sub|3}} to C{{sub|5}}.{{cite web|title=Unconditionally – By Katy Perry – Digital Sheet Music|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0126609|publisher=Musicnotes.|access-date=March 8, 2014|date = October 30, 2013}} The track's "uncluttered" instrumentation features woodblock percussion and a "dramatic" bass line. Lyrically, Jason Lipshutz from Billboard deemed it the "most mature offering" on Prism, claiming it served as a "predicate" to Perry's 2010 single "Teenage Dream".{{cite magazine|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|title=Katy Perry's 'Prism' Album Preview: 10 Things You Need To Know|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5687099/katy-perrys-prism-album-preview-10-things-you-need-to-know|magazine=Billboard|date=September 6, 2013| access-date=October 27, 2013}}

In September 2013, Perry teased the release of the song as the second single from Prism, without revealing its title or date. However, MTV concluded that such song was "Unconditionally", which she discussed during a listening party for the record.{{cite web|publisher=MTV. Viacom Media Networks.|access-date=March 9, 2014|date=September 23, 2013|title=What's Katy Perry's Next Single? She Gives Us Some Clues|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1714463/katy-perry-next-single-unconditionally.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926231231/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1714463/katy-perry-next-single-unconditionally.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 26, 2013|author=Garibaldi, Christina}} The release was confirmed by Billboard.{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 9, 2014|date=September 27, 2013|author=Lipshutz, Jason|title=Katy Perry Confirms Next 'PRISM' Single|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5740589/katy-perry-confirms-next-prism-single}} The track debuted on October 16, 2013 and was serviced by Capitol Records to contemporary hit radio stations in the United States on October 22.{{cite web|publisher=Capital FM|access-date=March 9, 2014|date=October 16, 2013|title=Katy Perry's New 'Prism' Song 'Unconditionally' Gets First Play on Capital FM – Audio|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/katy-perry/news/unconditionally-first-play/}} The next day, it was sent to Australian radio stations.{{cite web|url=http://joy.org.au/music/2013/10/24/new-music-to-weekdays-october-23-2013/|access-date=March 9, 2014|date=October 24, 2013|title=New music to weekdays (October 23, 2013)|publisher=Joy 94.9}} A CD single was released in Germany on November 22— the same date it was serviced to radios in Italy.{{cite web|date=November 22, 2013|access-date=March 9, 2014|publisher=Amazon.de|title=Unconditionally (2-Track)|url=https://www.amazon.de/Unconditionally-2-Track-Katy-Perry/dp/B00GBJVJ86/}}{{cite web|title=Unconditionally – Katy Perry|url=http://www.radioairplay.fm/RadioDate/PublicDetails/41552|access-date=March 21, 2014|date=November 22, 2013|publisher=RadioAirplay|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204071315/http://www.radioairplay.fm/RadioDate/PublicDetails/41552|archive-date=December 4, 2013|url-status=dead}} In France, imports of the CD started being sold on December 3.{{cite web|title=Unconditionally [CD Single, Import]|url=https://www.amazon.fr/Unconditionally-Katy-Perry/dp/B00GBJVJ86/|access-date=March 9, 2014|date=December 3, 2013|publisher=Amazon.fr}} A remix version of the song by Johnson Somerset was featured on a compilation album entitled Songs for the Philippines benefiting those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beatles-eminem-u2-set-for-philippines-benefit-album-20131126|title=Beatles, Eminem, U2 Set for Philippines Benefit Album|magazine=Rolling Stone LLC|first=Kory|last=Grow|date=November 26, 2013|access-date=July 23, 2014}}

The lyric video for "Unconditionally", directed by Aya Tanimura, was released on October 18, 2013.{{cite web|publisher=Slant Magazine|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/house/2013/19/katy-perry-pays-homage-to-dangerous-liaisons-anna-karenina-the-great-gatsby-in-unconditionally-music-video|access-date=March 22, 2014|date=November 19, 2013|author=Camp, Alexa|title=Katy Perry Pays Homage to Dangerous Liaisons, Anna Karenina, & The Great Gatsby in "Unconditionally" Music Video}}{{cite video|format=Lyric video|title=Unconditionally|url=http://www.vevo.com/watch/katy-perry/unconditionally-lyric-video/USUV71302466|publisher=Vevo|access-date=October 18, 2013|people=Tanimura, Aya}} Set in a monochromatic pattern, it features actresses Janell Shirtcliff and Erika Linder, who appear naked. As Shirtcliff mouths the song's lyrics, which appear in white and fade slowly, Linder looks "painful[ly]" into the camera. They are only shown together by the end of the video, in which scene they look into each other's eyes.{{Cite magazine |date=October 20, 2013 |title=Katy Perry's 'Unconditionally' Lyric Video Could Be A Real Music Video |url=http://www.vibe.com/article/katy-perrys-unconditionally-lyric-video-could-be-real-music-video |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307105427/http://www.vibe.com/2013/10/katy-perrys-unconditionally-lyric-video-could-be-real-music-video/ |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=May 21, 2023 |magazine=Vibe}} The video is different in style and approach from the song's official music video, which is retro-styled. Fans were invited to participate in an Instagram-based campaign, in which they could upload a photo of "what unconditional love meant to them", along with their story and location in order for it to appear on a "Prism map of the world".{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/Digital-Music-Report-2014.pdf|title=Digital Music Report 2014|publisher=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|access-date=March 23, 2014|archive-date=June 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626030458/http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/Digital-Music-Report-2014.pdf|url-status=dead}}

Jason Lipshutz from Billboard deemed the song a "visceral ballad" capable of conveying its theme of relationships.{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=October 21, 2013|title=Katy Perry's 'PRISM': Track-By-Track Review|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/5763162/katy-perrys-prism-track-by-track-review|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason}} John Walker from MTV praised the track and felt that the song could be written from the perspective of Jesus and denoted possible Christian undertones lying.{{cite web|publisher=MTV|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=October 22, 2013|last=Walker|first=John|title=Katy Perry's 'Prism': A Track-By-Track Review..... In Cat GIFs!|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2013/10/22/katy-perry-prism-review-cat-gifs/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023111832/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2013/10/22/katy-perry-prism-review-cat-gifs/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2013}} Kitty Empire of The Guardian reckoned the track was "ungainly" and "adverbial";{{cite news|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=October 20, 2013|title=Katy Perry: Prism – review|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/oct/20/katy-perry-prism-review|last=Empire|first=Kitty|author-link=Kitty Empire}} Helen Brown of The Daily Telegraph wrote that its lyrics had "self-help lingo", although she remarked that "Perry's genuine faith in it, along with her wit and sense of fun, powers her through".{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=October 17, 2013|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopreviews/10386191/Katy-Perry-Prism-review.html|title=Katy Perry, Prism, review|last=Brown|first=Helen}} Kevin Fallon from The Daily Beast regarded it as adequate for a Nicholas Sparks-adapted movie, however, he noted that Perry's vocal delivery saved the song of being "schmaltzy".{{cite web|website=The Daily Beast|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=October 22, 2013|last=Fallon|first=Kevin|title='Prism' Review: Katy Perry Perfects the Pop Blockbuster|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/10/22/prism-review-katy-perry-perfects-the-pop-blockbuster.html}}

HitFix's Melinda Newman graded the track with a 'B'—she felt Perry's voice sounded "soaring", and opined that the theme of the song resonated due to Perry's vocal and overall delivery.{{cite web|publisher=HitFix|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=October 21, 2013|title=Katy Perry's 'Prism' reflects her heart and soul set to a beat: Review|url=http://www.hitfix.com/news/katy-perrys-prism-reflects-her-heart-and-soul-set-to-a-beat-review|last=Newman|first=Melinda|archive-date=July 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710043825/http://www.hitfix.com/news/katy-perrys-prism-reflects-her-heart-and-soul-set-to-a-beat-review|url-status=dead}} Glenn Gamboa of Newsday thought Perry "ruined" the track, which she deemed "decent", for pronouncing the song title as "uncondiSHUNally".{{cite news|newspaper=Newsday|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=October 18, 2013|title='Prism' review: Katy Perry is all over the place|last=Gamboa|first=Glenn|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/prism-review-katy-perry-is-all-over-the-place-1.6280564}} In his review for Prism, Jon Dolan from Rolling Stone wrote that the song "set stark revelations to torrential Euro splendor".{{cite magazine|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 5, 2014|author=Dolan, Jon|date=October 16, 2013|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/prism-20131016|title=Katy Perry – Prism}} Katie Woodard from Nouse said the song's "power ballad approach" highlights Perry's vocal performance.{{cite web|title=Album Review: Katy Perry – Prism|url=http://www.nouse.co.uk/2013/10/28/album-review-katy-perry-prism/|date=October 28, 2013|access-date=March 5, 2014|author=Woodard, Katie|work=Nouse|publisher=University of York Students' Union}} Trent Wolfe of The Verge, however, thought the song was part of the group of the Prism tracks that could "benefit from a preciously strummed six-string" instead of "beats and synths".{{cite web|publisher=The Verge. Vox Media.|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=October 23, 2013|title=Get real: Katy Perry lets go of the teenage dream with 'Prism'|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/23/4877672/get-real-katy-perry-lets-go-of-the-teenage-dream-with-prism|author=Wolfe, Trent}} Digital Spy's Robert Copsey awarded the song with a four out of five points rating, writing that Perry sounded "effortless" as compared to her peers.{{cite web|title= Katy Perry 'Unconditionally' single review: Soaring, effortless ballad|date=December 5, 2013|access-date=March 7, 2014|author=Copsey, Robert|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines UK|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/review/a536157/katy-perry-unconditionally-single-review-soaring-effortless-ballad.html}}

"Unconditionally" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 30.{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|title=Lorde's 'Royals' Crowns Hot 100 For Fifth Week|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5770722/lordes-royals-crowns-hot-100-for-fifth-week|author=Trust, Gary|access-date=March 22, 2014|date=October 30, 2013}} The next week, it moved five spots up to number 25;{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5778259/lordes-royals-rules-hot-100-for-sixth-week|title=Lorde's 'Royals' Rules Hot 100 for Sixth Week|access-date=March 22, 2014|date=November 6, 2013|author=Trust, Gary|magazine=Billboard}} it further moved four spots the following week.{{cite magazine|title=Lorde's 'Royals' Leads Hot 100, Lady Gaga's 'Dope' Debuts at No. 8|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5785931/lordes-royals-leads-hot-100-lady-gagas-dope-debuts-at-no-8|access-date=March 22, 2014|date=November 13, 2013|magazine=Billboard|author=Trust, Gary}} On its fourth week, the track went to number 16 and one week later it rose one spot.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5812407/miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-swings-back-to-no-1-on-hot-100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 22, 2014|date=December 4, 2013|author=Trust, Gary|title=Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball' Swings Back To No. 1 on Hot 100}} It later peaked at number 14 on the chart.{{cite magazine|access-date=March 22, 2014|date=December 18, 2013|title=Eminem, Rihanna Remain Atop Hot 100 With 'The Monster'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5840334/eminem-rihanna-remain-atop-hot-100-with-the-monster|author=Trust, Gary|magazine=Billboard}} In doing so, it was Perry's second single to miss peaking within the top 10 of the chart. On the component charts of Billboard, "Unconditionally" enjoyed success—it peaked atop the Hot Dance Club Songs, while reaching number seven on the Adult Top 40 and number 16 on the Adult Contemporary charts. On the Pop Songs chart, it peaked at number eight. The song has sold more than 2,000,000 units in the United States; consequently it was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

"Unconditionally" achieved moderate success in Oceanic regions. The song debuted and peaked at 11 on the Australian Singles Chart. It then gradually descended down the charts and has spent a total of 13 weeks, marking it as Perry's lowest spanning single in Australia. The song however received a platinum certification by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting more than 70,000 copies sold. In New Zealand, the song entered at 26, where it ultimately peaked. Unable to peak higher, the song spent 10 weeks on the singles chart. It subsequently became Perry's lowest spanning and peaking single in New Zealand.

In Europe, the song performed moderately as well. It reached its highest position of number 5 in Bulgaria while having its lowest peak in Russia, at number 69.{{cite web|url=http://www.tophitru.com/airplay_week.shtml?week_st=1392062400|publisher=TopHit|title=Weekly General Airplay TopHit100 February 10–16, 2014|access-date=March 23, 2014|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008051705/http://www.tophitru.com/airplay_week.shtml?week_st=1392062400|url-status=usurped}} It reached number 16 on the Ö3 Austria Top 40—where it spent 12 weeks. On the Italian, German and Czech single charts, it was able to peak within the top 10, at number 6 for the first two and number 8 on the latter. In Italy, it sold more than 50,000 copies and was certified Platinum by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry (FIMI).{{Certification Cite Ref|artist=Katy Perry|title=Unconditionally|certyear=2014|region=Italy|type=single|refname=fimisingle}} On the French SNEP chart, it peaked at number 38, and was Perry's fourth single to miss the top 20 there after "Teenage Dream" (2010), "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)" (2011) and "Wide Awake" (2012). In the United Kingdom, "Unconditionally" reached number 25; while in Ireland it peaked at number 27. It fared better in Slovakia where it charted at number 11; in Belgium it reached numbers 49 and 26 in Flanders and Wallonia, respectively. In the Mexican Monitor Latino and Poland single chart, it managed to peak at 17 while in Netherlands, it reached number 32. The track charted at number 40 in Spain, becoming her tenth top-forty in the country.

The music video for "Unconditionally", directed by Brent Bonacorso, was filmed in London during October 2013.{{cite web|title=Katy Perry Confirms She Filmed 'Unconditionally' Music Video in London Last Week|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/katy-perry/news/unconditionally-music-video-london/|publisher=Capital FM|access-date=October 23, 2013|date=October 23, 2013}} It was partly inspired by the costume drama films Dangerous Liaisons and Anna Karenina.{{cite news|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|title=Was Katy Perry Tempted To Write Any 'Screw You' Anthems on Prism?|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/du9ogl/katy-perry-prism-songwriting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531005341/https://www.mtv.com/news/du9ogl/katy-perry-prism-songwriting|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 31, 2023|publisher=MTV News|date=November 19, 2013|access-date=May 30, 2023}} During an interview with MTV News, Bonacorso talked about the concept for the video. He stressed that he wanted to match the song's tone with its visual, explaining that he wanted to depict a "more mysterious, elegant and sophisticated world to live in..... less about a time period and more about creating an impression and a feeling." As the song essentially discusses the feeling of love, the video itself sees Perry amidst scenarios which indirectly refer to the power of it.{{cite news|title=Katy Perry's Bed Is on Fire: Her 'Unconditionally' Director Explains Why|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/556582/katy-perry-unconditionally-video-director-explains|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024222301/https://www.mtv.com/news/556582/katy-perry-unconditionally-video-director-explains|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 24, 2022|access-date=May 30, 2023|date=November 20, 2013|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|publisher=MTV News}} The video is set in two different spaces, as Perry is found both in a snowy background and in a ballroom surrounded by dancers, which are mostly dressed in black apparel.{{cite video|title=Unconditionally|date=2013|people=Bonacorso, Bren|medium=music video|publisher=Capitol Records}} Those settings were used to represent "different part[s] of the subconscious". The video premiered through MTV on November 19, 2013.{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/qzsd9s/katy-perry-unconditionally-video-premiere|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531005343/https://www.mtv.com/news/qzsd9s/katy-perry-unconditionally-video-premiere|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 31, 2023|last=Montgomery|first=James|title=Katy Perry's 'Unconditionally' Video: Watch It Now|publisher=MTV News|date=November 19, 2013|access-date=May 30, 2023}}

It begins with Perry, sitting on the ground while mouthing the lyrics of the song and staring at the viewer. As she finishes the first verse, the camera shifts to a ballroom, in which elegantly-dressed dancers start to dance. The song's chorus kicks in, and Perry is now found in the ballroom, in the middle of all the dancers. As the second verse begins, she has an owl on her arm, which she lets go and flies. The bird represents "something strong, free [and] powerful", according to Bonacorso, who added: "She lets it go into the world[,] and that literally [means] letting this force within her go wild. That's an important part of love[,] is that you have to let it go." The video also shows Perry, with a golden dress and cross-shaped earrings, with flames on her body. By the second repetition of the chorus, a bed gets lit on fire, which the director included to refer to love that "can burn you like an inferno". As the song reaches its climax, Perry gets hit by a car, with tiny broken debris from it shattering behind her, while she remains stationary and unharmed. This scene symbolizes the experience of true love, that changes "your world" and "hits you out of the blue". This scene cuts back to the ballroom, where Perry is surrounded by a similar explosion of "colorful" flowers, which is used to contrast the more violent nature of falling in love and the softer part of it, the "joyful and wonderful" feelings.

File:Katy Perry - The Prismatic 16.jpg

On October 22, 2013, Perry first performed "Unconditionally" along with her other Prism tracks at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles, California.{{cite news|last=Gundersen|first=Edna|title=Live stream: Katy Perry's 'Prism' album release party|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/10/22/katy-perry-prism-album-party-stream/3153989/|newspaper=USA Today|date=October 22, 2013|access-date=October 22, 2013}} She also performed these songs the next day when hosting the "We Can Survive" concert along with friends Bonnie McKee, Kacey Musgraves, Sara Bareilles, Ellie Goulding, and duo Tegan and Sara at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.{{cite magazine|last=Aguila|first=Justino|title=Katy Perry Hosts Famous Friends, Previews Next Tour at Hollywood Bowl: Live Review|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5770379/katy-perry-hosts-famous-friends-previews-next-tour-at-hollywood|magazine=Billboard|date=October 24, 2013|access-date=October 24, 2013}} Perry also performed the song on the Australian version of The X Factor on October 28, 2013, alongside "Roar"{{cite web|first=Carl|last=Williott|title=Watch Katy Perry Perform "Unconditionally" & "Roar" On 'The X Factor Australia'|url=http://www.idolator.com/7490750/katy-perry-x-factor-australia|publisher=Idolator|date=October 28, 2013|access-date=July 2, 2018}} and also performed it on the Australian breakfast program Sunrise that day.{{cite news|title=Katy Perry shines at Sydney Opera House performance on Sunrise |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/katy-perry-shines-at-sydney-opera-house-performance-on-sunrise/story-fni0cvc9-1226748691445|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=October 28, 2013|access-date=July 2, 2018}} On November 10, 2013, she performed "Unconditionally" at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards.{{cite web|title=Katy Perry Gets 'Unconditionally' High For EMA|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1717178/katy-perry-2013-ema-performance.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111015819/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1717178/katy-perry-2013-ema-performance.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 11, 2013|publisher=MTV|date=10 November 2013}} She also opened the American Music Awards of 2013 on November 24, 2013, with a geisha-inspired performance of the song.{{cite news|last=Talbott|first=Chris|title=Katy Perry Kicks off AMAs With Beautiful Moment |agency=ABC News|date=November 24, 2013|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/katy-perry-miley-cyrus-book-end-amas-20995268}} On December 5, 2013, Perry performed the song on the Italian X Factor.{{cite web |last=Fowler|first=Brandi |title=Katy Perry Rocks Flower-Covered Sheer Dress at X Factor Italy Show |publisher=E! Online |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/488077/katy-perry-rocks-flower-covered-sheer-dress-at-x-factor-italy-show|access-date=December 5, 2013}} On December 13, 2013, Perry also performed the song on The Voice of Germany together with four contestants of the show.{{cite web |title=Katy Perry Performs 'Dark Horse' & 'Unconditionally' on 'The Voice of Germany'|url=http://www.directlyrics.com/watch-katy-perry-performs-dark-horse-unconditionally-on-the-voice-of-germany-news.html| publisher=directlyrics.com |date=December 14, 2013}} On December 14, 2013, Perry performed "Unconditionally" at the NRJ Music Awards 2014.{{cite web |url=http://nrjmusicawards.nrj.fr/videos-4523/media/video/765497-katy-perry-unconditionaly-live-15th-edition.html|title=Katy Perry "Unconditionaly" Live 15th edition |publisher=nrjmusicawards.nrj.fr|date=December 14, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2014}} She also performed "Unconditionally" on the season 10 finale of The X Factor (UK) on December 15, 2013.{{cite web |title='Tuneless Car Crash': Katy Perry Bombs on the X Factor Final |publisher=Entertainmentwise |date=December 15, 2013 |url=http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/135823/Tuneless-Car-Crash-Katy-Perry-Bombs-On-The-X-Factor-Final |last=Kitchener |first=Shaun |access-date=March 9, 2014 |archive-date=December 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218233117/http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/135823/Tuneless-Car-Crash-Katy-Perry-Bombs-On-The-X-Factor-Final |url-status=dead }} Perry performed a stripped-down version of the song on the December 20, 2013 episodes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Alan Carr: Chatty Man.{{cite web|last=Degeneres |first=Ellen |title=Day 12 of 12 Days, Katy Perry|url=http://www.ellentv.com/episodes/day-12-of-12-days-katy-perry/|publisher=EllenTV.com|date=December 20, 2013}}

The performance of "Unconditionally" at the American Music Awards led to accusations of cultural appropriation and racism{{cite magazine|last=Gibson|first=Megan|title=American Music Awards: Katy Perry Performance, Racist or Not?|url=https://entertainment.time.com/2013/11/25/how-offensive-was-katy-perrys-ama-performance/|magazine=Time|date=25 November 2013|access-date=30 November 2013}}{{cite web|last=Park|first=Patricia|title=Why all the fuss over Katy Perry's geisha performance at the AMAs?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/26/katy-perry-geisha-performance-american-music-awards-fuss|work=The Guardian|date=26 November 2013|access-date=30 November 2013}} from Asian-American groups and media outlets from the Wall Street Journal to Psychology Today for Perry dressing up as a geisha during the performance.*{{cite news |url=http://www.vulture.com/2013/11/awards-racism-spot-check-katy-perry-edition.html|title=Music Awards Racism Spot-Check: Katy Perry Edition|newspaper=New York}}

• {{cite news|url=http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-pacific-heart/201311/yes-katy-perry-s-performance-was-racist-here-s-why?quicktabs_5=0|title=Yes, Katy Perry's Performance Was Racist, Here's Why|newspaper=Psychology Today}}
• {{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/scene/2013/11/26/memories-of-a-geisha-katy-perrys-amas-performance-stirs-debate/?KEYWORDS=Jeff+Yang|title=Geisha A-Go-Go: Katy Perry's AMAs Performance Stirs Debate|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}} Her stylist and America's Next Top Model creative director Johnny Wujek explained later "Katy and I both love Japan..... The people are so kind, there's so much there visually" then described his process of finding authentic kimono then cutting them up according to his own inspirations.{{cite news|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/484980/katy-perry-s-stylist-explains-geisha-inspired-outfit-at-amas-we-love-japan|title=Katy Perry's Stylist Explains Geisha-Inspired Outfit at AMAs: We Love Japan!|publisher=Eonline.com}} Lady Gaga defended Perry, stating: "I think people are generally too sensitive and they should just leave her be".{{cite web |title=Lady Gaga Teases 'ARTPOP' Tour, Defends Katy Perry Amidst AMAs Controversy |url=http://news.radio.com/2013/11/25/lady-gaga-teases-artpop-tour-defends-katy-perry-amidst-amas-controversy/ |publisher=radio.com |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-date=March 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311160012/http://news.radio.com/2013/11/25/lady-gaga-teases-artpop-tour-defends-katy-perry-amidst-amas-controversy/ |url-status=dead }}

• Vocals: Katy Perry
• Songwriting: Katy Perry, Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Henry Walter
• Production: Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Cirkut

Credits adapted from Prism album liner notes.

• CD{{cite web|title=Unconditionally (2-Track)|url=https://www.amazon.de/Unconditionally-2-Track-Perry-Katy/dp/B00GBJVJ86/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1383256976&sr=1-2|publisher=Amazon.de|access-date=November 1, 2013}}

1. "Unconditionally" – 3:48
2. "Unconditionally" (instrumental) – 3:48

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Unconditionally"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|relyear=2013|certyear=2023|title=Unconditionally|artist=Katy Perry|type=single|award=Platinum|number=4|access-date=September 13, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=Katy Perry|title=Unconditionally|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2013|certyear=2024|access-date=August 9, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=single|artist=Katy Perry|title=Unconditionally|award=Diamond|relyear=2013|certyear=2024|access-date=April 10, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2013|certyear=2023|title=Unconditionally|artist=Katy Perry|access-date=March 23, 2025|refname="MC"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|relyear=2013|certyear=2018|title=Unconditionally|artist=Katy Perry|type=single|award=Gold|access-date=May 1, 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|relyear=2013|certyear=2014|title=Unconditionally|artist=Katy Perry|type=single|award=Platinum|id=2679|access-date=December 5, 2014}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Katy Perry|title=Unconditionally|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2013|certyear=2022|source=radioscope|access-date=December 14, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Katy Perry|title=Unconditionally|region=Norway|relyear=2013|certyear=2020|award=Platinum|type=single|access-date=October 29, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|title=Unconditionally|artist=Katy Perry|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2013|certyear=2024|certweek=1|id=katy-perry-unconditionally|access-date=January 12, 2024|refname=Spain Cert}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|relyear=2013|certyear=2022|title=Unconditionally|artist=Katy Perry|type=single|award=Gold|id=13692-3279-1|access-date=June 20, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|artist=Katy Perry|relyear=2013|certyear=2017|title=Unconditionally|access-date=May 30, 2017|refname=RIAA}}

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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|award=Gold|type=single|artist=Katy Perry|relyear=2013|relmonth=10|title=Unconditionally|certyear=2014|certmonth=2|streamsonly=true|id=5767|access-date=December 19, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|relyear=2013|certyear=2023|title=Unconditionally|artist=Katy Perry|type=single|award=Platinum|source=artist|access-date=June 7, 2023}}

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• List of Billboard Dance Club Songs number ones of 2014

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Katy Perry}}

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Category:Songs written by Katy Perry

Category:Song recordings produced by Dr. Luke

Category:Song recordings produced by Max Martin

Category:Songs written by Max Martin

Category:Katy Perry songs

Category:2013 songs

Category:Song recordings produced by Cirkut

Category:2013 singles

Category:2010s ballads

Category:Pop ballads

Category:Rock ballads

Category:Capitol Records singles

Category:Race-related controversies in music