Katy Perry is an American singer and songwriter. She was raised in a religious household and began singing in church as a child. Perry released her first studio album in 2001 under her birth name, Katy Hudson. The album was not successful commercially. She later signed with labels like Island Def Jam Records and Columbia Records but albums and projects were canceled. Perry's career began gaining success in 2007 after signing with Capitol Records and releasing her hit singles "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot N Cold". Her 2008 debut album One of the Boys was a commercial success. Perry has since released multiple successful albums and become one of the best-selling music artists of all time.