Katy Perry discussed her parents’ reaction to her hit song “I Kissed a Girl” during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. She revealed that her parents, Keith Hudson and Mary Perry, practiced a strict version of Christianity, which included attending church multiple times a week and restrictions on holidays and certain foods. She explained that she moved to Los Angeles at a young age and was exposed to different perspectives, which influenced her views on culture and humanity.
Perry shared that she began experimenting with her sexuality at 17 after moving away from her parents’ strict rules and regulations. She talked about how her experiences shaped her music and how she sang about those experiences in her songs. She mentioned that she was 23 when “I Kissed a Girl” was released, and although it was a tough departure from her parents’ expectations, she acknowledged that any departure from expected career paths can be difficult for parents to accept.
Now a mother to daughter Daisy Dove with fiancé Orlando Bloom, Perry joked about the challenges of parenthood and how her own songs could come back to haunt her. She mentioned her daughter singing the song “Peacock,” which has adult themes, and joked about how her own parenting skills may be tested in the future. Perry emphasized the importance of her parents in teaching her integrity and values, noting that they had a significant impact on her upbringing and success.
In April, Keith Hudson and Mary Perry attended an event where Perry was honored with the Colleagues Champion of Children Award for her work with the Firework Foundation, an organization that empowers children from underserved communities. Perry credited her parents with instilling values of integrity and compassion in her, which she carries into her work with children through her foundation. She reflected on the influence her parents had on her upbringing and expressed appreciation for the lessons they taught her about treating others with respect.
Overall, Katy Perry’s discussion about her parents’ reaction to her music and her upbringing sheds light on the challenges of navigating personal identity and familial expectations. Despite their differences in views and values, Perry acknowledges the impact her parents had on her values and integrity, which she carries into her career and work with children. The evolution of Perry’s perspective on culture, humanity, and sexuality highlights the importance of personal growth and embracing diverse viewpoints.
