Maura Johnston is a writer and editor living in New York City. She has written for the Village Voice, Vanity Fair, The Awl, and Gawker, and she frequently contributes to NPR. Follow her on Twitter.

Just in time for summer, Katy Perry releases a sunny California anthem created from ‘a girl’s perspective.’ Though not, Maura Johnston explains, for a girl’s tastes.

After another lackluster week, Maura Johnston on what's ailing American Idol. Plus, VIEW OUR GALLERY of contestants who should have—and should not have—gotten to the Top 12.