Katy Perry biography

 

Katy Perry became every hot-blooded male's fantasy come true when she cooed "I Kissed a Girl" (2008), her cheeky pop single that launched the singer-songwriter - who possessed a playful, sexy style that was slightly reminiscent of a Varga Girl with a rocker's edge - into stardom. Perry's full-throated voice and feisty personality imbued her smash hits, including the high-octane "Hot-N-Cold" from her debut album, One of the Boys (2008), a witty, pop/rock album filled with sassy, confessional songs about erratic exes, wild and crazy road trips, and bouts of identity crisis. With her signature red lips and always-perfect ringlets, Perry exuded the perfect blend of sexy and innocent - rocking her own personal style punctuated by retro rompers, short and strapless dresses, killer heels, and neon accessories with a fruit motif. Aside from her music and distinct look, Perry's romantic relationships also made headlines. In January 2010, Perry caused quite a sensation with her engagement to British comedian Russell Brand - less than four months after the couple started dating. That same year, she burned the airwaves again with the single "California Gurls," a pop-rock gem that again showcased Perry's infectious beats and confident lyrics - a feat that only the most gifted songwriters and original entertainers could achieve.

Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson was born on Oct. 24, 1984 in Santa Barbara, CA. She was the middle child of two devout Christian ministers who maintained a strict household that did not allow music other than gospel standards. But singing was always Perry's passion. When she was nine, the future star made a "vision board" for school and chose a photo of the late Latin pop singer Selena winning a Grammy award as her inspiration. She sang anywhere there was a stage -church, restaurants, and family functions. In her teens, Perry spent time in Nashville and worked with seasoned country musicians, including legendary producer and songwriter Glen Ballard. At 16, Perry released a Christian pop album as "Katy Hudson," but the album barely sold 100 copies. A second attempt at releasing an album with the production team, The Matrix, failed in 2004. In 2007, Perry's hard work and persistence finally paid off with a recording contract with Capitol Records. That fall, Perry released the single "Ur So Gay," which earned rave reviews including one from pop icon Madonna, who reportedly called Perry's single her favorite song.

Shedding her Christian music roots and good-girl image, Perry zoomed to the top of the charts with the critically acclaimed album One of the Boys, featuring the single "I Kissed a Girl." The song's provocative, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and catchy beat helped land the single the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven straight weeks. The video for the ubiquitous pop single was nominated for five MTV Video Music Awards (2008), including a Best New Artist award for the talented singer, and a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her follow-up single, "Hot-N-Cold," was also a No. 1 hit, selling more than three million digital tracks. When the single's hilarious music video - which featured the spunky singer as a jilted bride - was spoofed on "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975- ), it was made official that the colorful Perry was a bona fide music superstar.

Perry's music videos also launched the raven-haired pop star as fashion's newest "It" girl. Whether vamping it up for magazine covers or walking the red carpet, Perry's quirky style - 1940s pin-up girl-meets-rocker chic - always made an impression.

In 2010 , Perry teamed up with rap star Snoop Dogg on the smash hit single "California Gurls" from her forthcoming album Teenage Dream. The fun, fanciful single - complete with an Auto-Tuned Perry and Snoop trading quips about the glories of the Golden Coast - became the jam of the summer, making Perry the pop princess of the year. At the same time "California Gurls" was planted at the top of the charts, Perry donned a series of silly costumes and hosted the Teen Choice Awards. In 2011, she made her film debut as the voice of Smurfette in the animated movie "The Smurfs," based on the popular comic series and children's television show of the 1980s.