Katy Perry

Katy Perry (born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, 25.10.1984)

Katy Perry is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame with the widespread success of her song 'I Kissed A Girl'. Released in 2008, the song topped the charts in over 20 countries worldwide.

Katy Perry: Childhood

Katy Perry was born and raised in Santa Barbera, California, USA. Both of her parents are pastors and she is their middle child.

In 2003, Katy graduated from Dos Pueblos High School. Upon graduating, she moved to Los Angeles.

Katy Perry: Musical Career

Katy's first CD was released under her original name, Katy Hudson. The eponymously titled album was released in 2001 by Red Hill Records and was a Christian Gospel album.

In 2004, Katy Perry worked with the production team The Matrix. The Matrix are famous for having worked with some of the USA's biggest musical acts, such as Britney Spears, Liz Phair and Avril Lavigne. Songs such as 'Box' and 'Long Shot' that she wrote with Glen Ballard, appeared on her MySpace page. In 2005, her songs 'Simple' was featured in the soundtrack to the film the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. She also appeared on the single 'Goodbye For Now', by the Christian rock band P.O.D.

Following a period of time struggling in the music industry, Perry signed to Capitol Music in 2007. Her voice is now a regular feature on MTV and VH1's music channels and she appeared at the 2008 MTV VMA Awards, performing Madonna's 'Like A Virgin'.

Late in 2007, Perry released the digital-only EP entitled 'Ur So Gay'. Despite being lauded by the likes of Madonna, the song has been criticised for its alleged homophobic overtones.

2008 saw the release of her debut mainstream, major label debut album. Entitled One of the Boys, the album saw her working with the likes of Cathy Dennis, Dave Stewart and Greg Wells. To promote the album, she joined the 2008 Vans Warped Tour.

'I Kissed a Girl' was released in April 2008. The song reached the top spot in charts across the globe. However, Perry was still plagued by allegations of homophobia in this song as well.

Katy appeared in the video for Gym Class Heroes' 'Cupid's Chokehold'. She is dating the lead singer Travis McCoy and in the video, she plays his love interest.

'Hot N' Cold' was released as a single at the start of September 2008.