Katheryn Elizabeth Hudon better known as Katy Perry, is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She was born October 25, 1984 and raised in Santa Barbara by Christian pastor parents and grew up listening only to gospel music. Katy rose to fame in 2007 with internet hit "Ur So Gay", and later scored in 2008 her breakthrough single "I Kissed A Girl".

At the age of 15, Katy's singing in church attracted the attention of rock veterans from Nashville, Tennessee, who brought her there to polish her writing skills. In Nashville, she started recording demos and was taught by country music veterans on how to craft songs and play guitar. Katy Perry signed to the Christian music label Red Hill, under which she recorded her first album at the age of 15. Using her real name, Katy Hudson, she released the self-titled Gospel-rock album in 2001. The album was unsuccessful, however, after the label ceased. She later changed her surname to Perry, her mother's maiden name, because "Katy Hudson" was too close to film actress Kate Hudson.

Among Katy Perry's musical influences are Alanis Morissette, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Shirley Manson, and Freddie Mercury, the late frontman of the British band Queen. Growing up listening to gospel music, Katy had few references when she began recording songs.

In 2004, she recored an album with production team The Matrix, but it was never released. After signing on with Capitol Music Group in 2007, she took on stage name Katy Perry and released her first mainstream album, One of the Boys.

Katy is known for her unconventional style of dress. It is often humorous, bright in color, and reminiscent of different decades, and frequently uses fruit-shaped accessories, primarily watermelon, as part of her outfits. Her dark hair is signature to her look, but, as the music video to "Ur So Gay" shows, her hair is naturally blonde and she dyed her hair and eyebrows a darker color.

Having learned dancing at an early age, she fancied about having her own style. Katy's transformation into an artist began with fashion, inspired by American film actress Dominique Swain's portrayal in 1997 film adaptation of the novel Lolita. She defines her fashion "a bit of a concoction of different things". Johnny Wujek, Katy's stylist, described her style, upon meeting her for the first time, as "very colorful and vintage". Her fashion has caught the attention of designers, who were giving her nearly as much attention as fans of her music.