Katy Perry

Born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson on October 25, 1984, in Santa Barbara, California, Perry's childhood was marked by frequent moves across the country due to her parents' church-related work. Although she grew up in a family of pastors her passion for singing and remarkable talent led her to become one of the biggest names in the music industry.

Perry's musical journey began at a young age. She discovered her love for singing and took vocal lessons at 9. By 13, she received her first guitar and started performing her own songs in front of her parents. As a teenager, she embraced the Californian lifestyle, participating in activities like rollerskating, skateboarding, and surfing. Her determination and talent caught the attention of rock artists Steve Thomas and Jennifer Knapp, who brought her to Nashville, Tennessee, to refine her songwriting skills.

In Nashville, Perry recorded demos, honed her craft, and learned to play the guitar. She signed with Red Hill Records and released her debut album, "Katy Hudson," in 2001. While the album was a contemporary Christian record, Perry's journey took a turn when she was dropped by Columbia Records just as her second album, "Fingerprints," was nearing completion.

Undeterred, Perry signed with Capitol Records in 2007. Her second studio album, "One of the Boys," was released the following year and showcased a more pop-oriented sound. The album's hit single, "I Kissed a Girl," propelled Perry to stardom, making her the first solo female artist to achieve five number-one singles from one album on the Billboard Hot 100.

Perry's success grew with her third studio album, "Teenage Dream," in 2010. The album produced multiple chart-topping hits, including "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," "Firework," and "E.T." Perry became the second artist in history, after Michael Jackson, to achieve five number-one singles from one album.

In addition to her musical achievements, Perry ventured into acting with her film debut as Smurfette in "The Smurfs" movie in 2012. She released her fourth studio album, "Prism," in 2013, featuring the chart-topping singles "Roar" and "Dark Horse." Perry's talents landed her a role as a guest judge on the popular reality show "American Idol" in 2015, eventually becoming a full-time judge in subsequent years. She continued releasing music, with her fifth studio album, "Witness," in 2017.

In 2022, Perry started her residency show, PLAY, at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, captivating audiences worldwide. Outside of her music career, Perry has experienced notable personal moments, including getting engaged to actor Orlando Bloom in 2019 and welcoming their daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, in 2020.