KATY PERRY

Born: October 25, 1984

Santa Barbara, California

Katy Perry is the daughter of two pastors meaning this worldwide sensation grew up listening to gospel music and singing in church choirs. As soon as she graduated from high school, Katy moved to Los Angeles. While working on her debut album in 2004, she caught the attention of Blender magazine, which named her "The Next Big Thing". It was awhile before the right people would hear her songs, though. In early 2007, Katy signed with Capitol Records and got to work on her official album, One of the Boys.

Prior to the release of her album, a digital EP of her song "Ur So Gay" garnered attention when Madonna told a radio show that it was her favorite song at the time. However, Katy had to fight criticism that the song was homophobic. Katy continued to fight controversy when her song "I Kissed a Girl" finally exploded onto the music scene, topping the charts in over 20 countries. The success she's achieved from her first album is unbelievable and Katy's catchy tunes and unconventional style will continue to make her an icon to fans everywhere!

FUN FACTS:

• Her influences include Cher, Cyndi Lauper and Pat Benatar.

• Has a song on The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants soundtrack.

• Her name is really Katy Hudson, but she thought it was too close to actress Kate Hudson so she goes by Perry, which is her mother's maiden name.