Katy Perry is the middle child of two pastors and grew up listening to gospel music and singing in church. After Steve Thomas and Jennifer Knapp signed Perry to their label Red Hill Records, she released her first CD Katy Hudson in 2001 – a Christian gospel album.
According to several Christian radio stations, Kary Perry’s most recent album One of The Boys has raised a considerable amount of controversy as her single “I Kissed a Girl” promotes sexual activity that conflicts with her Christian upbringing. On the flip side, her single “Ur So Gay” has been interpreted as being homophobic for its derogatory use of the word “gay”.
The song “I Kissed a Girl” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to the top of the charts but peaked within a few days. It has also topped the charts in Canada, Brazil and the UK. The song has generated controversy due to its popularity with children and its depiction of sexuality, homosexuality, and promiscuity.
An essay in Slant magazine argues that the song “isn’t problematic because it promotes homosexuality, but because its appropriation of the gay lifestyle exists for the sole purpose of garnering attention—both from Perry’s boyfriend and her audience.” Say what?
In her teenage years, Perry found a Queen album, which she says has been her biggest influence. She is also influenced by Alanis Morissette as well as Heart and Joni Mitchell. Perry changed her name from Hudson to Perry because she felt it was to close to Kate Hudson.
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Photos: WENN