Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (born October 25, 1984), known professionally as Katy Perry, is an American singer, songwriter, and television judge. After singing in church during her childhood, she pursued a career in gospel music as a teenager.
Perry signed with Red Hill Records and released her debut studio album Katy Hudson under her birth name in 2001, which was commercially unsuccessful. She moved to Los Angeles the following year to venture into secular music after Red Hill ceased operations and she subsequently began working with producers Glen Ballard, Dr. Luke, and Max Martin.
After adopting the stage name Katy Perry and being dropped by The Island Def Jam Music Group and Columbia Records, she signed a recording contract with Capitol Records in April 2007.
"American Idol" judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie honored runner-up Willie Spence on social media after the singer died at the age of 23.
Spence was killed in a car crash on Tuesday afternoon in Jasper, Tennessee, after he drove his SUV off a highway and collided with the back of a parked tractor-trailer. "I love you Willie … purest soul.
Sing with the angels my darling," Perry, 37 commented on "American Idol's" official statement on Spence's death that was shared to the CBS show's Instagram page.
Audio from the 911 calls placed after the car crash involving 'American Idol' alum Willie Spence was obtained by Fox News Digital. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images) The statement read, "We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence.
Read more on foxnews.com