Katy Perry birthday special: Unearthing lesser-known facts of 'Roar' singer
With chart-topping hits and unapologetic self-expression, Katy Perry has cemented her place as an icon in the music world. She embarked on her musical journey in 2001 with the release of Katy Hudson (reportedly her church name). On the occasion of her 39th birthday, we take a look at some of the interesting anecdotes that illuminate her career and life beyond the glittering stage.
Perry began singing training at mere age of 9
Perry's musical journey was shaped by her aspiration to follow in her sister Angela's footsteps. Encouraged by her parents, she commenced her formal vocal training at the age of nine. From the ages of nine to 17, she honed her singing skills within the church community. When she turned 13, Perry received her first guitar as a birthday gift, further fueling her musical ambitions.
Scarlett Johansson was inspiration behind 'I Kissed A Girl'
Perry's 2008 hit I Kissed A Girl has an intriguing source of inspiration: actor Scarlett Johansson. She once shared in an interview with Steppin' Out that she came across an image of Johnson and admitted to her boyfriend, "If [Johansson] walked into the room and wanted to make out with me, I would make out with her. I hope you're okay with that."
Perry holds over 15 Guinness World Records
Perry reportedly boasts an impressive 15 Guinness World Records to her name. She became the first artist to accumulate 100M followers on X/Twitter. Perry previously held the distinction of having the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show (2015). She shares a rare achievement with the late Michael Jackson, as the only singer to have five No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 songs from the same album.
Perry has written songs for fellow artists
Perry has penned songs for artists including Nicki Minaj and Selena Gomez. One notable example is her work on Minaj's Get On Your Knees from The Pinkprint (2014). Additionally, the song I Do Not Hook Up was initially intended for Perry's debut album. However, she decided to pass it along to Kelly Clarkson, who included it in her fourth album, All I Ever Wanted.
