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’ Recap: Hollywood Week Ends & The Top 40 Emerges
billboard.comIf your favorite American Idol hopeful survived the Genre and Duets rounds of Hollywood Week, you’d best white-knuckle the vermouth bottle, Sally, because there’s still the Solo gauntlet to get through before Season 18’s Top 40 is decided.
To give these kiddos a jolt of encouragement, last year’s standout contestant, Alejandro Aranda, stops by to dole out a pep talk. “It’s okay to feel nervous and it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling, but just know that it’s your song and you’re performing and you’re expressing yourself,” says Alejandro.
Golly! The first solos go by and the judges seem pleased. Katy Perry stands up and exclaims, “Oh my god! What a cool song!” after Kimmy Gabriela belts out “I’m Here” from The Color Purple.
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