Best known as the lead singer of the rock band Journey, Steve Perry is by many believed to be a close relative of Katy Perry. Unfortunately, there is no relation between the two.
Steve Perry, former lead singer of Journey, and pop star Katy Perry, despite sharing a last name, are not related (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / FayesVision / Avalon / Radoslaw Nawrocki / Dan Jackman)
Katy Perry, whose real name is Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, started calling herself Katy Perry to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson.
In an interview with The Guardian, Katy Perry reflected on the creation of her persona, explaining that “Katy Perry” was a character she developed as a form of protection rooted in fears from her childhood and possible PTSD.
I was scared that if you saw me, Katheryn Hudson, the girl wearing the Bioré strip on my nose, you’d be like, ‘that’s not glamorous’. It was me going, ‘OK, I’ve been upset my whole childhood so I’m going to show the world I am something, that I am going to do something and that I am enough’. I didn’t want to be Katheryn Hudson. I hated that, it was too scary for me, so I decided to be someone else.
Perry is a common surname from the late 16th century with several distinct origins. It is also her mother’s maiden name.
Katy Perry and her mother, Mary Christine Hudson, attend Paris Fashion Week in coordinating chic outfits, with Katy showcasing a bold space-themed suit (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / FayesVision / Avalon / Radoslaw Nawrocki / Dan Jackman)
Though Steve and Katy Perry aren’t related, the Perry surname has caused confusion for other celebrities as well.
In January 2011, Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry was asked by Sun-Sentinel if she and her brothers often get asked if they are related to Katy Perry and Luke Perry.
Our dad’s name is actually Steve Perry, but he’s not the one from Journey. It’s so funny, though. You would not believe the return phone calls we’ve gotten because of his name.
I always jokingly say Joe Perry is our uncle and Luke Perry is my husband. We played a show in Ohio last weekend, and Luke Perry’s sister was at the radio station there during our meet-and-greet and she said, “So I heard you said you were married to my brother.”
So apparently, that’s come full circle and he is aware of the fact that I’ve claimed him as my better half. The only Katy Perry confusion we’ve had is when Katy put out “I Kissed a Girl,” a friend called me and thought the song was mine. But honey, we’re going to claim all those Perrys. That’s what we’re going to do.
The Band Perry siblings, Reid, Kimberly, and Neil Perry, performing together and showcasing their distinctive casual style (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / FayesVision / Avalon / Radoslaw Nawrocki / Dan Jackman)
While the Perry name often sparks confusion, Katy Perry has distinguished herself in the entertainment industry through her bold personality and even bolder fashion choices. One of her most memorable red carpet moments came at the 9th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball, where she showcased her signature theatrical style.
Katy Perry at the 9th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on December 3, 2013 (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / FayesVision / Avalon / Radoslaw Nawrocki / Dan Jackman)
In December 2013, Katy Perry brought a theatrical and glamorous vibe to the red carpet of the 9th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball. The songstress wore a Naeem Khan caped velvet dress with elements of the holiday season and old Hollywood glam.
Her floor-length gown was rich, deep burgundy with a sexy halter neck. The sheer cape featuring intricate gold embroidery made the dramatic dress more stunning.
Katy Perry stuns in a luxurious Naeem Khan velvet gown with a gold-embroidered cape at the 9th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / FayesVision / Avalon / Radoslaw Nawrocki / Dan Jackman)
Unconventional as the dress may be, we still think Katy pulled off this look effortlessly!
Katy Perry’s sexy ruby lipstick color complemented her dress (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / FayesVision / Avalon / Radoslaw Nawrocki / Dan Jackman)