What Religion Is Katy Perry?
Over 10 years ago, Katy Perry angered religious groups, and shot to fame, with her hit single, “I Kissed A Girl.” Perry now admits she would rewrite the lyrics, given the chance.
But, what does that mean for Perry’s religious views? What religion is Katy Perry? In this article, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about Perry’s spiritual life.
Katy Perry had a Christian upbringing
Perry was raised in a restrictive, Christian household. Born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, to Pentecostal pastor parents, she frequently attended church and youth groups as a child. Perry told Vogue in 2017, “Amy Grant was our Madonna. We knew about Madonna and Marilyn Manson because we picketed their concerts.”
Perry explained that as an early teen, her church group handed out pamphlets outside a Marilyn Manson concert titled, How to Find God. She ended up seeing part of the show and to her surprise she “found it really interesting and weird– I got it.”
Katy Perry started as a gospel singer
Perry started singing by joining the church choir. At the age of 16, she embarked on a solo career by releasing a Christian gospel album. Releasing that album gave Perry the chance to go on tour, and travel the country, leaving her Christian bubble for the first time.
Perry told Paper Magazine that by the time she was 17, she felt like she was sliding away from God. “I was always asking, why?” Perry said, “Not just to be an asshole, just because I’ve always been super curious.”
Katy Perry struggled with dark times
In 2013, Perry described to Marie Claire how she struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts after her marriage to British actor and comedian, Russell Brand, ended in divorce.
Brand reportedly ended their relationship via text message on New Year’s Eve 2011, and that was the last time Perry heard from him. Perry described her relationship with God at this time as, “I don’t believe in a heaven or a hell or an old man sitting on a throne. I believe in a higher power bigger than me because that keeps me accountable.”
She continues, “I’m not Buddhist, I’m not Hindu, I’m not Christian, but I still feel like I have a deep connection with God. I pray all the time– for self control, for humility. There’s a lot of gratitude in it. Just saying ‘thank you’ sometimes is better than asking for things.”
Perry had her biggest spiritual transformation in 2017 after struggling with depression and alcoholism when her album, titled, Witness, had less than stellar reviews. However, Perry attended a week long spiritual growth program which she described as, “10 years of therapy in one week.” She continued by saying she, “never felt closer to God.” and “I’ve never felt so much release and relief.”
Does religion affect Katy Perry’s music?
While religion plays a smaller role in her music than it did during her gospel days, Perry admits that she is still very spiritual.
Her more recent albums, especially Witness, which she characterized as “purposeful pop” have an introspective and spiritual element to them, but Perry no longer has a direct association with Christianity and instead calls herself more spiritual than religious.
What’s Katy Perry up to Now?
Perry took a break from releasing new music in 2018. “I’ve been on the road for, like, 10 years, so I’m just going to chill.” Instead, she’s been acting as a judge on ABC’s show, American Idol. But, in February of this year, Perry released her first track in some time. A collaboration with Zedd, the track is titled, 365.
Although she’s no stranger to controversy, Perry seems to be doing well in her personal life, having found love again with actor Orlando Bloom. The two were engaged on Valentine’s Day and now keep the media on its toes guessing when the wedding will take place.
This year she has been quiet about spiritual issues, since the media has been mostly focused on her relationship status, but we can assume her religious attitude is similar to what it was in 2017, when she had her spiritual awakening. The good news is, Perry seems to have found happiness and that’s something we can all agree she deserves.
