Full Breakdown
Katy Perry Playfully Reacts to Josh Groban’s Engagement Using “The One That Got Away”
5/13/2026, 1:41:56 AM
The TikTok Reveal
On May 11, 2026, pop star Katy Perry posted a TikTok in which she, dressed in a white bathrobe, pretended to sob while sipping a large glass of bubbly. The video, set to her 2010 hit “The One That Got Away,” displayed a screenshot of a news article announcing that former “You Raise Me Up” singer Josh Groban is engaged to British theatre actress Natalie McQueen. Perry’s caption read simply, “Congrats ?.” The clip quickly went viral, prompting widespread commentary on social media and entertainment outlets.
Background & Context
Perry and Groban briefly dated in 2009 before parting ways amicably. In a 2017 livestream promoting her Witness album, Perry disclosed that “The One That Got Away” was inspired by Groban, a revelation that surprised him. Groban later recounted his reaction on Watch What Happens Live (2018), describing it as a “double-take and a spit of my coffee.” Their breakup was attributed to mutual privacy preferences, with both later describing each other as “very good friends.”
Data & Statistics
“The One That Got Away” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold roughly 5 million copies worldwide. Groban announced his engagement on Instagram on April 21, 2026, sharing photos from a Disneyland proposal. Perry’s TikTok was posted on May 11, 2026, and the song experienced a resurgence on the platform, aligning with a promotional push for her non-alcoholic beverage line Drink De Soi.
Why It Matters
The episode illustrates how personal milestones can fuel renewed interest in legacy hits, driving streaming spikes and brand visibility. Perry’s playful nod also underscores the modern celebrity practice of blending personal narrative with marketing—her TikTok was posted as a collaboration with Drink De Soi. Meanwhile, Groban’s engagement generated media coverage that highlighted his transition from solo artist to soon-to-be-husband, reinforcing his public profile.
Official Statements & Responses
Josh Groban confirmed the engagement via Instagram, writing, “MY BEST FRIEND SAID YES!!!” and describing the proposal as his “happiest place.” In subsequent interviews he reiterated that the couple had been together since 2022 and emphasized their private nature. Perry’s brief caption, “Congrats ?,” signaled goodwill toward the couple while maintaining a light-hearted tone. Both artists have emphasized that their past relationship remains friendly, with Groban noting they are “very good friends to this day.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently report the same timeline and details of the engagement and Perry’s reaction; no substantive discrepancies were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That was a double-take and a spit of my coffee when I saw that,” — Josh Groban, Watch What Happens Live (2018)
- “I never owned a Mustang. I don’t have a tattoo. Are you sure that’s about me?” — Josh Groban, Watch What Happens Live (2018)
- “We were both very private and we realized we were better as friends and we’ve been very, very good friends to this day. She’s the best.” — Josh Groban, Watch What Happens Live (2018)
- “MY BEST FRIEND SAID YES!!!” — Josh Groban, Instagram post (April 21, 2026)
- “Congrats ?” — Katy Perry, TikTok caption (May 11, 2026)
What’s Next
Groban and McQueen’s wedding date has not been disclosed, but preparations are underway following the public proposal. Perry’s “The One That Got Away” continues to trend on TikTok, and she is slated to release additional promotional content for Drink De Soi later this year. Both artists remain active in their respective tours and media appearances, keeping the public’s attention on their evolving personal and professional narratives.
