The early years

Born in Santa Barbara, California, Katy Perry was brought forth to the world as Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson. As the daughter of evangelist pastors, her parents, Keith and Mary Hudson, dished a strict religious upbringing and only let her listen to gospel music. But as some kids dabble in drugs, Katy Perry dabbled in rock music, and would often sneak contraband CDs into the house: 'The first time I bought a record it was by Incubus. I brought it home in my knapsack and I had things on top of it so my parents didn't strip-search me,' she told The Sun newspaper.