Katheryn Elizabeth "Katy" Hudson , better known by her stage name Katy Perry, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She had limited exposure to secular music during her childhood and pursued a career in gospel music as a teenager, releasing her debut studio album, Katy Hudson, in 2001. She moved to Los Angeles the following year to venture into secular music. She recorded a collaborative album with the Matrix, which was released in 2009. She also recorded an album with Glen Ballard that was not released due to contractual complications.