Former Gospel Singer Katy Perry: 'I'm Not a Christian'

By Carmen Herrera
Katy Perry
Katy Perry performed her song "Dark Horse" at the Grammy Awards 2014 on January 26, 2014.

Pop singer Katy Perry caused an uproar of controversy at Sunday night's Grammy Awards when the singer performed a Satanic-themed rendition of her number-one single, "Dark Horse." Many may be surprised to find out that Perry was once an aspiring Gospel singer who wanted to be the "next Amy Grant."

Katy Perry has become a superstar since the release of her 2008 number-one single "I Kissed a Girl" from the album "One of the Boys." Perry would then cement her name as one of Pop music's biggest stars, with multiple number-one albums and singles that have dominated the charts and airwaves. Despite all the glamor and success Perry has achieved, her start in the music business began in her church.

Perry was born in a Christian home under Pentecostal parents who also served as pastors and founded the Keith Hudson Ministries. As a child growing up, she attended religious camps for church and grew up listening gospel music only. Her parents discouraged her from listening to secular music and was forbidden to become engaged with worldly things.

Related: Katy Perry's Christian Pastor Father on Her Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Performance 

Related: Katy Perry at Grammy Awards 2015: God Spoke to Me Before Super Bowl Performance 

Going by her real name "Katy Hudson," Perry released her first self-titled album as a contemporary Christian artist. "I realized what my calling was at a young age...I sort of felt it in my bones. But God will use a willing vessel and there isn't an age limit on being a willing vessel," said Perry, then known as Katy Hudson.

However, when Perry did not find success as a Christian artist, she branched out to secular music and was signed on to Capitol Music Group. Her debut as Katy Perry was an instant success and she has continued to advance her career. In the process of reestablishing herself as a pop star, Perry turned away from her religious views. "I don't believe in a heaven or a hell or an old man sitting on a throne," said Perry in an issue of Marie Claire. "I believe in a higher power bigger than me because that keeps me accountable."

Perry has even turned from the Conservative ways of her parents, and has become an activist for LGBT rights. Her support for President Obama garnered her to sing at the inauguration, which she forbade her parents to go because of their Republican stance. "My parents are Republicans, and I'm not," she also told Marie Claire. "They didn't vote for Obama, but when I was asked to sing at the inauguration, they were like, 'We can come.' And I was like, 'No, you can't."

The now-secular pop star can be labeled in the league of Miley Cyrus as devout Christians turning away from their faith in exchange for fame. Cyrus, who was once a considered a role model for young girls and reciting Ephesians 6:10-11 as her favorite passage in the Bible, is now known for her provocative twerking dance moves.

Three secular albums, nine number-one singles and a divorce later, Perry claims that she is not a Christian and no longer believes in God but rather in a higher power. "I believe in a lot of astrology. I believe in aliens. . . . I look up into the stars and I imagine: How self-important are we to think that we are the only life-form?"  With a heap of success, controversial nonetheless Perry's first identifier as "Katy Hudson" will only be known as her legal name, rather than the aspiring Christian singer. 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo