Dark Horse ft. Juicy J

Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson on October 25, 1984, in Santa Barbara, California, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, celebrated for her distinct pop style and elaborate, vibrant stage presence.

Katy Perry's journey began far from the pop charts. Born to two Pentecostal pastors, Mary and Maurice Hudson, she was raised in a strict, itinerant household where secular music was largely forbidden. She and her two siblings were required to call "deviled eggs" "angeled eggs" and were not allowed to eat Lucky Charms cereal because the word "luck" was associated with Lucifer.

Her early musical influences were confined to gospel music, which she began singing in her parents' church at the age of nine. At 13, she received her first guitar for her birthday and began writing her own songs. This passion led her to leave high school early, obtaining her GED at 15 to pursue a music career in Nashville.

In 2001, she released her debut gospel-rock album, Katy Hudson, under her birth name. The album was a commercial failure. This experience prompted a significant shift in her musical direction. After moving to Los Angeles, she discovered popular music through friends, finding inspiration in artists like Alanis Morissette and Queen's Freddie Mercury. It was during this time that she adopted her mother's maiden name, "Perry," to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson and began her transition into secular music.

After several years of working with various producers and record labels, Perry's career exploded with the release of her second album, One of the Boys (2008). The album's lead single, "I Kissed a Girl," was a major cultural moment. The provocative, hard-edged pop-rock track became a global phenomenon, reaching number one in over 30 countries. The subsequent single, "Hot n Cold," was also a huge hit, solidifying her as a mainstream force.

Her 2010 album, Teenage Dream, cemented her legacy as a pop music icon. The album is a masterclass in hook-filled, celebratory pop. It made history by producing five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat only previously accomplished by Michael Jackson's Bad album. The singles were:

• "California Gurls" (feat. Snoop Dogg) - A quintessential summer anthem.
• "Teenage Dream" - A nostalgic, soaring synth-pop ballad.
• "Firework" - An empowering anthem that became a staple at events worldwide.
• "E.T." (feat. Kanye West) - A sci-fi-themed, futuristic electro-pop track.
• "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" - A fun, dance-pop song capturing the spirit of a wild party.

The album sold over 12 million copies worldwide and received numerous Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. Its success was followed by the California Dreams Tour, a massive global concert tour that further showcased her theatricality and vibrant aesthetic.

Perry's career has been defined by her ability to consistently deliver chart-topping hits while exploring new sounds and themes.

• Prism (2013): This album was a more introspective and mature record, while still maintaining her signature pop sound. It featured the number-one hits "Roar," a powerful anthem of self-empowerment, and the dark, moody "Dark Horse." The album led to the highly successful Prismatic World Tour, followed by her headline performance at the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show in 2015, which was one of the most-watched television events in history.
• Witness (2017): Marking a significant shift, this album delved into electropop and a more "purposeful pop" sound, with lyrics that often touched on social commentary and politics.
• Smile (2020): An album centered on themes of resilience, happiness, and finding light after a dark period.
• PLAY (2021-2023): A highly acclaimed concert residency in Las Vegas that celebrated her career's biggest hits with an over-the-top, theatrical production.

Katy Perry is a major entertainment personality outside of her music career. She has served as a judge on the reboot of American Idol from 2018 to 2024, a role that brought her into millions of American homes weekly. She announced her departure from the show to focus on new music and touring.

Her life was chronicled in the 3D concert documentary film, Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012). She also voiced the character Smurfette in The Smurfs film series (2011–2013).

A dedicated philanthropist, she was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2013 and has been an active advocate for children's rights. She is also a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and various other social causes.

Perry's personal life has been a topic of public and media attention. She was married to British comedian Russell Brand from 2010 to 2012. She has been in a long-term relationship with actor Orlando Bloom, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, in August 2020.