Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and pop superstar Katy Perry have confirmed their relationship, stepping out hand-in-hand in Paris last weekend after celebrating Perry’s 41st birthday at the Crazy Horse cabaret.

While the pairing seems unlikely, observers say the couple share surprising common ground—and their romance serves both their public images after difficult years.

Rumours began in July when they dined together in Montreal, followed by Trudeau attending Perry’s concert there. By October, photos of them kissing on Perry’s yacht in Santa Barbara went viral. Though neither has publicly commented, Perry hinted at the relationship during a London show, joking to a fan who proposed that he “should have asked about 48 hours ago.”

Communication studies professor Jose Rodriguez calls it “a rebranding for both of them.” For Perry, partnering with a statesman creates credibility for civic and philanthropic work. For Trudeau, the California Girls singer represents “a softer arena” after the harsh political world.

Both needed the image refresh. Trudeau, once a global progressive icon after taking office in 2015, resigned earlier this year amid plummeting popularity. Scandals including luxury vacations that violated conflict-of-interest laws and resurfaced blackface photos tarnished his “sunny ways” image. Canadians grew frustrated and ready to move on.

Perry faced her own setbacks after dominating 2010s pop culture. Her latest album, 143, was panned as “disastrous” by critics. She was mocked for joining an all-woman space flight with Jeff Bezos’ wife, and her tour seemed “thirsty and misguided,” according to the LA Times’ Mikael Wood. The relationship with Trudeau “changes the subject from a flop album,” he notes.

The couple do share genuine connections beyond image management. Both are ideologically aligned progressives and LGBTQ advocates. Perry actively campaigned for Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris, while Trudeau championed feminist causes and gender-parity in cabinet. Both are dedicated parents to young children and recently single—Trudeau separated from his wife in 2023.

The romance echoes history: Trudeau’s father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, also separated while in office and famously dated Barbra Streisand and Kim Cattrall. “There’s no question that we see history repeating itself,” says political science professor Jonathan Malloy.

For now, both seem to have found what they need: human connection and a fresh narrative in the public eye.