Battle of the Pop Divas: Katy Perry's "Roar" vs. Lady Gaga's "Applause"

Brace yourself, MC music buffs: There's a serious war among pop stars currently being waged. Both Katy Perry and Lady Gaga had new songs — "Roar" and "Applause," respectively — leak over the weekend, and experts are placing bets as to whose tune will overthrow this summer's #1 hit, "Blurred Lines." According to E! Online (opens in new tab), Perry's "Roar" leak forced Gaga to rush-release "Applause" over a week early. The two songstresses exchanged friendly Twitter conversation in response to the leaks, including this from Gaga: "Wanna grab some shovels and f--k up some hackers?" And while Perry and Gaga certainly have their own distinct musical stylings, we can't help but compare "Roar" and "Applause" as they usher in an exciting new era for both artists.

Perry's "Roar," the first single off her album PRISM, due out on October 22, is a sugary, self-confidence booster of a track that is distinctly Katy Perry. Its chorus includes the lyric, "'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me roar, louder, louder than a lion." It's safe to say that "Roar" is the latest anthem for cheery girls' nights out and expectation-defying work outs.

Then, there's Gaga's "Applause," which features an exclusively Gaga disco-esque tune and zeitgeisty, EDM-enhanced chorus. It's a fabulous return track for Mother Monster's highly anticipated ARTPOP, out on November 11. It will fit seamlessly into the playlist at any sweaty, dance-heavy club, as has been the case for most of Gaga's previous work. Take a listen, then tell us: which song will you be playing on repeat?