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’s Sam Finelli: 5 Things to Know About the Singer With Autism Who Got a Standing Ovation
usmagazine.comNot a dry eye in the house. American Idol viewers were blown away by Sam Finelli‘s audition during the third week of auditions — as were the judges.“I kind of shy away from singing with people,” the Georgia native, 28, told judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan during the Sunday, March 13 episode of the long-running competition show. “I’m going to be honest with y’all.
I never thought that I would be here in a million years.”Finelli’s mother, Suzie, who accompanied him to the auditions, revealed that he has high-functioning autism and has always found comfort and support in singing. “Music helped Sam a lot,” she told the American Idol cameras before his performance. “He’d just put his earbuds in and that’s how he learned to cope.”Despite his nerves, Finelli was ready to pursue his dream and sang an emotional rendition of “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves that brought the trio of judges to tears. “You told us about your struggles.
Now, you walk out here — after no other experience — to American Idol and you have three judges giving you a standing ovation,” Richie, 72, told Finelli after he finished singing. “I want you to know right now, we are so proud of you.”The “All Night Long” singer continued: “Sam, you were born enough.
And what we consider your handicap is your gift. You understand me? You are enough.”Perry, 37, was equally effusive, telling the aspiring singer that he picked “the perfect song” to audition with. “There’s always been a rainbow hanging over your head,” the “California Gurls” singer added. “All that you have to do is let go of all that fear and that negativity and always sing from your heart.
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