
Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (born October 25, 1984), better known at Katy Perry, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised by Christian pastor parents, Perry grew up listening to only gospel music and sang in her local church as a child. After earning a GED during her first year of high school, she began to pursue a career in music. As Katy Hudson, she released a self-titled gospel album in 2001, which was unsuccessful. She later recorded an album with production team The Matrix and completed the majority of a solo album from 2004–05, the latter of which was never released.After signing with Capitol Music Group in 2007, her fourth record label in seven years, she adopted the stage name Katy Perry...