Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, known professionally as Katy Perry, was born in Santa Barbara, California, on October 25, 1984. Her parents, Mary and Maurice, were Pentecostal pastors, and she was raised in a strict Christian household. Due to her parents’ work in establishing churches, Perry moved around frequently from the ages of 3 to 11, before eventually settling back in Santa Barbara.
She has two siblings. Growing up, Katy Perry was only allowed to listen to religious music, particularly gospel. She discovered pop music by secretly borrowing CDs from friends. Inspired by her sister’s vocal lessons, Perry began her own vocal training at the age of nine and sang in her parents’ church.
Katy Perry Personal Life
Katy Perry met Russell Brand in the summer of 2009, and they became engaged in December of the same year. The couple married on October 23, 2010, in Rajasthan, India, but divorced 14 months later.
Although there was potential for a $22 million divorce settlement due to the lack of a prenup, the final settlement was much lower. In early 2016, Katy Perry began dating actor Orlando Bloom. They became engaged in February 2019 and have a daughter together.
Katy Perry Career Beginnings
Katy Perry left school at the age of 15 after completing her General Educational Development (GED) requirements to pursue a career in music. She attracted the attention of rock artists Steven Thomas and Jennifer Knapp and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to work with them. She signed with Red Hill Records and released her debut gospel album, “Katy Hudson,” in 2001. Despite positive reviews, the album was commercially unsuccessful, selling only around 200 copies.
At 17, Perry moved to Los Angeles and shifted her focus from gospel music to secular pop. She signed with the label Java in 2004, which was associated with The Island Def Jam Music Group. After Java was dropped, Perry signed with Columbia Records, but her album remained unfinished when she was dropped by the label in 2006.
Katy Perry Breakthrough
In April 2007, Katy Perry signed with Capitol Records and began working with producer Dr. Luke on her second album, “One of the Boys.” To promote the album, her song “Ur So Gay” was released as a digital EP in November 2007. Perry’s rise to fame truly began with the release of her single “I Kissed a Girl” in April 2008. From January to November 2009, she embarked on her first headlining world tour, the Hello Katy Tour.
Katy Perry’s Top 10 Movies
These films and specials showcase Perry’s versatility and presence in both animated and live-action formats, often highlighting her musical talents and charismatic personality.
1. Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)
This 3D autobiographical documentary gives fans an in-depth look at Perry’s life on and off stage during her California Dreams Tour. It includes personal moments, concert footage, and insights into her career and personal life.
2. The Smurfs (2011)
Perry voices the character Smurfette in this live-action/animated family comedy. The film follows the Smurfs as they find themselves in New York City and try to find a way back to their village.
3. The Smurfs 2 (2013)
Perry reprises her role as Smurfette in this sequel, where the Smurfs team up with their human friends to rescue Smurfette from the evil wizard Gargamel.
4. Zoolander 2 (2016)
In this comedy sequel, Perry makes a cameo appearance, adding to the film’s star-studded cast. The movie continues the story of the dimwitted male model Derek Zoolander.
5. Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer (2015)
This documentary follows the life and career of fashion designer Jeremy Scott. Katy Perry, a close friend of Scott, appears in the film, offering insights and commentary on his influence in the fashion industry.
6. Brand: A Second Coming (2015)
This documentary focuses on comedian Russell Brand and his transformation from a troubled celebrity to a political activist. Katy Perry, who was married to Brand, appears in the film, providing a glimpse into their relationship.
7. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
Perry makes a cameo in this mockumentary comedy about a pop star’s attempt to maintain his fame. The film features many celebrity cameos, adding to its humorous take on the music industry.
8. The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011)
Perry voices Smurfette in this holiday TV special. It’s a Smurfs-themed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol.”
9. The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow (2013)
In this animated TV special, Katy Perry voices Smurfette in a spooky retelling of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” with a Smurfs twist.
10. Sesame Street: Singing with the Stars (2012)
Perry appears in this TV special, featuring various musical performances with beloved Sesame Street characters. Her performance of “Hot N Cold” with Elmo is a highlight.
Katy Perry’s Net Worth
Katy Perry is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and television judge with a net worth of $400 million. Recognized as one of the highest-paid entertainers for over a decade, she sold her song catalog for $225 million in September 2023. Between 2009 and 2014, Katy Perry earned $30-50 million annually through album sales, merchandise, touring, and endorsements. Her earnings peaked at $135 million between June 2014 and June 2015, and she made $60 million between June 2018 and June 2019.
Starting her career in gospel music, Katy Perry gained international fame with her 2008 hit “I Kissed a Girl.” Her 2010 album “Teenage Dream” produced five number-one hits, setting a record for a female artist. Known for her catchy songs and vibrant performances, Katy Perry has also voiced characters in films and served as a judge on “American Idol.” Despite the ups and downs in her career, Perry has remained relevant by continually evolving, with albums like “Prism” and “Witness” showcasing her artistic growth.
