Katheryn Elizabeth “Katy” Hudson (born October 25, 1984),better known by her stage name Katy Perry, is an American singer, songwriter, businesswoman, philanthropist, and actress. She was born near Santa Barbara, California and primarily grew up there before moving to Los Angeles. Having had limited exposure to mainstream pop music in her childhood, she pursued a career in gospel music as a teen and released her debut studio album, Katy Hudson (2001). She later recorded a collaborative album with The Matrix and a solo album she worked on with Glen Ballard, the latter of which was never released.