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.
Tributes pour in after death of young woman, 18, who brought 'such a kind energy' to Manchester's Gay Village
manchestereveningnews.co.ukTributes have poured in after an 18-year-old woman was found dead at a hotel in Salford. Ria Cooper, 18, was a member of staff at popular Canal Street venue G-A-Y where she worked for around five months.
A self-proclaimed Katy Perry fan, the sad news of her death has seen performers and bar owners of Manchester's Gay Village post emotional tributes.
Bradley Hinks, a manager at G-A-Y, and boyfriend Jordan Keys told the Manchester Evening News that Ria unexpectedly came into their life but made an instant impact. "She was one of these naturally funny and bubbly people," they said. "She was there for a laugh and have fun and she just made you smile whenever you were around her.
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