Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, celebrates her 40th birthday as a prominent figure in pop music, known for her bold lyrics and provocative performances. Since her 2008 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” she has faced both controversy and success, including multiple awards and record-breaking performances, like her Super Bowl halftime show. Despite recent setbacks, her impact on the industry remains significant, and she balances her career with personal life milestones alongside fiancé Orlando Bloom and their daughter.
Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, is celebrating a significant milestone today as she turns 40 years old. Over the past 16 years, she has both fascinated and provoked audiences with her music and unique style. The pop icon first made waves with her breakout hit “I Kissed a Girl,” challenging societal norms and expectations.
Perry’s music career has been decorated with numerous accolades throughout the 2010s, making her a prominent figure in the pop music scene. Notably, she holds the record for the most singles, as five of her tracks have sold over five million copies. Although her latest album, “143,” did not reach the top five on the US charts, all eyes will be on her today as she celebrates her birthday.
From Childhood to Stardom
Katy Perry’s journey in music began early; she released her first album, “Katy Hudson,” at just 16, showcasing a gospel rock style that differs greatly from her later pop sound. Growing up in a strict Christian household, Perry immersed herself in the church’s gospel choir, but her upbringing felt monotonous. In her own words, she described her childhood to the Irish Times as filled with “Bible cramming.”
Rebelling against her sheltered upbringing, Perry dropped out of high school at 15 to pursue her musical dreams and moved to Los Angeles just two years later. She found fresh inspiration in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, which drastically contrasted her previous life. One pivotal moment in her musical journey came when she discovered the rock band Queen; their hit “Killer Queen” sparked her passion for music, as she acknowledged in a 2012 interview.
Breakthrough with a Bold Statement
Perry faced many hurdles before achieving mainstream success. After her first record label, Red Hill Records, closed its doors in 2001, she transitioned through two more labels before finally signing with Capitol Records, where she hit the jackpot with “I Kissed a Girl.” The song soared to the top of the US Billboard charts, alongside her subsequent hit “Hot N Cold,” which also performed well globally. In an intriguing revelation, Perry shared that actress Scarlett Johansson inspired “I Kissed a Girl,” humorously admitting that she would gladly kiss Johansson if given the chance.
In a curious twist, Miley Cyrus later claimed that Perry told her the song was about her. The two famously kissed at a Cyrus concert in 2014, although Perry explained it was an accidental gesture, leading to some playful banter between the artists.
A Super Bowl Sensation
Perry’s scandalous moments were overshadowed by her immense success. Her 2010 album, “Teenage Dream,” further solidified her status, earning the prestigious Diamond Award in the US and numerous accolades, including MTV Video Music Awards. She continued her winning streak with the 2013 album “Prism,” which culminated in a legendary halftime Super Bowl performance viewed by 121 million people—a record held until 2023. Reflecting on that electrifying experience, she told Vogue it felt both intense and surreal, likening the emotion to childbirth.
Fashion Statements That Shock and Inspire
Perry’s bold fashion choices have also made headlines, including her unforgettable cupcake-bra look from the “California Gurls” music video. While her eye-catching visuals often sparked debate, they were not without complications. During shooting, the self-tanner she used turned increasingly orange, leading to extensive color correction costs in post-production.
Finding Love and Navigating Challenges
On the personal front, Perry has also faced her share of challenges. After a marriage to comedian Russell Brand in 2010 that ended in a text message divorce in 2013, she eventually found love with actor Orlando Bloom. The couple’s relationship has seen ups and downs since they started dating in 2016, experiencing a brief separation before getting engaged in 2019. Their daughter, Daisy Dove, was born in 2020, rounding out their family.
Perry has yet to marry Bloom, with their wedding initially planned for February 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic. In a recent radio interview, she mentioned how she plans to celebrate her 40th birthday with a Monopoly tournament instead of a lavish party, hinting at her focus on intimate celebrations with friends and family.