Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (born October 25, 1984), better known by her stage name of 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 pursued a career, and as Katy Hudson released a self-titled gospel album in 2001, which was unsuccessful. She latter recorded an album with production team The Matrix, and recorded a solo album 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.
