Career Timeline of Katy Perry: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Katy Perry, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, is a highly successful American singer, songwriter, and television personality. As one of the best-selling music artists globally, with over 151 million records sold, she is a major force in pop music. Perry is recognized for her significant influence on the genre and her flamboyant "camp" style, earning her the moniker "Queen of Camp" from prominent publications like Vogue and Rolling Stone.
2008: Flame releases 'Joyful Noise'
In 2008, Flame released the song 'Joyful Noise', which would later be the subject of a copyright lawsuit.
2008: Donated a plaster cast for charity
In 2008, Katy Perry donated a plaster cast of her breasts that had been painted by her then-boyfriend Travie McCoy to raise money for the Keep A Breast Foundation.
June 2009: Designed an item of clothing for H&M campaign
In June 2009, Katy Perry designed an item of clothing for H&M's "Fashion Against AIDS" campaign, which raises money for HIV/AIDS awareness projects.
2009: FIMI listed Perry as the 98th most certified artist
In Italy, the Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana (FIMI) listed Katy Perry as the 98th most certified music artist since the certification database became available in 2009.
May 2010: Began record-breaking run in Billboard Hot 100 top ten
From May 2010, Katy Perry spent a record-breaking 69 consecutive weeks in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.
September 2010: Helped build a shelter for youth in Baltimore
In September 2010, Katy Perry helped build and design the Boys Hope/Girls Hope foundation shelter for youth in Baltimore, Maryland.
November 2010: Endorsement of Purr Fragrance
In November 2010, Katy Perry endorsed her first fragrance, Purr, through Nordstrom department stores.
December 2010: Appearance on The Simpsons
In December 2010, Katy Perry played Moe Szyslak's girlfriend in The Simpsons episode "The Fight Before Christmas".
February 2011: California Dreams Tour
In February 2011, Katy Perry embarked on her second tour, the California Dreams Tour, in support of Teenage Dream.
February 16, 2011: Release of "E.T." as a Single
On February 16, 2011, "E.T." featuring Kanye West, was released as the fourth single from Katy Perry's album Teenage Dream.
July 29, 2011: Film Debut in The Smurfs
On July 29, 2011, Katy Perry made her film debut as Smurfette in the 3D family motion picture The Smurfs.
September 2011: Ended record-breaking run in Billboard Hot 100 top ten
Katy Perry spent a record-breaking 69 consecutive weeks in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 ending in September 2011.
September 23, 2011: Performance at Rock in Rio
On September 23, 2011, Katy Perry performed on the opening day of the 2011 Rock in Rio festival along with Elton John and Rihanna.
November 2011: American Music Award and Guinness Record
In November 2011, Katy Perry received an honorary American Music Award and another Guinness record for being the second artist after Michael Jackson to achieve five number-one Billboard Hot 100 songs from one album.
December 10, 2011: Hosting Saturday Night Live
On December 10, 2011, Katy Perry hosted Saturday Night Live with Robyn as the musical guest.
December 2011: Release of Meow! Fragrance
In December 2011, Katy Perry's second fragrance, Meow!, was released through Nordstrom department stores.
2011: Ranked third on Forbes "Top-Earning Women In Music"
In 2011, Forbes ranked Katy Perry third on their "Top-Earning Women In Music" list with earnings of $44 million.
January 5, 2012: Named Sixth Best-Selling Digital Artist
On January 5, 2012, Katy Perry was named the sixth best-selling digital artist in the United States, with sales of 37.6 million units according to Nielsen SoundScan. She also became the first artist to have four songs sell over 5 million digital units.
January 2012: People's Choice Award
In January 2012, Katy Perry won the People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Guest Star for her appearance on How I Met Your Mother.
January 2012: California Dreams Tour End Date
In January 2012, Katy Perry's California Dreams Tour came to an end. The tour grossed $59.5 million globally.
March 2012: Guest Starring on Raising Hope
In March 2012, Katy Perry guest starred as Rikki, a prison security guard, on the Raising Hope episode "Single White Female Role Model".
June 2012: Expressed her hopes for LGBT equality
In June 2012, Katy Perry expressed her hopes for LGBT equality, commenting that she hoped future generations would look back at the present time and be in disbelief that LGBT equality was not already a reality.
June 2012: Prism Album Direction
In June 2012, Katy Perry planned to have "darker elements" in Prism following the end of her marriage.
June 2012: The Sims 3: Katy Perry's Sweet Treats release
In June 2012, The Sims 3: Katy Perry's Sweet Treats, was released, featuring Perry-inspired furniture, outfits, and hairstyles.
July 5, 2012: Release of Katy Perry: Part of Me
On July 5, 2012, Katy Perry's autobiographical documentary Katy Perry: Part of Me was released in theaters.
September 2012: Billboard dubbed her the "Woman of the Year"
In September 2012, Billboard dubbed Katy Perry the "Woman of the Year".
November 2012: Beginning Work on Prism Album
In November 2012, Katy Perry began working on her fourth album, Prism, envisioning the artwork, coloring, tone, and the type of tour she wanted to do.
December 2012: Awarded the Trevor Hero Award by The Trevor Project
In December 2012, Katy Perry was awarded the Trevor Hero Award by The Trevor Project for her work and activism on behalf of LGBT youth.
2012: Ranked fifth on Forbes "Top-Earning Women In Music"
In 2012, Forbes ranked Katy Perry fifth on their "Top-Earning Women In Music" list with $45 million.
April 2013: Appeared in a video clip for the "Chime for Change" campaign
In April 2013, Katy Perry appeared in a video clip for the "Chime for Change" campaign that aimed to spread female empowerment.
April 2013: Joined UNICEF to assist children in Madagascar
In April 2013, Katy Perry joined UNICEF to assist children in Madagascar with education and nutrition.
July 31, 2013: Release of The Smurfs 2
On July 31, 2013, Katy Perry reprised her role as Smurfette in The Smurfs 2, which was released in theaters.
August 10, 2013: Release of "Roar"
On August 10, 2013, "Roar" was released as the lead single from Prism, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
August 12, 2013: Release of "Who You Love"
On August 12, 2013, Katy Perry's duet with John Mayer, "Who You Love," was released for his album Paradise Valley.
August 2013: Release of Killer Queen Fragrance
In August 2013, Killer Queen was released as Katy Perry's third fragrance through Coty.
October 16, 2013: Release of "Unconditionally"
On October 16, 2013, "Unconditionally" was released as the second single from Prism, peaking at number 14 in the United States.
October 18, 2013: Release of Prism
On October 18, 2013, Prism was released. It received favorable reviews from critics and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
October 23, 2013: Hosted and performed at the We Can Survive concert
On October 23, 2013, Katy Perry hosted and performed at the We Can Survive concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, with profits donated to the Young Survival Coalition.
November 2013: Most followed person on Twitter
In November 2013, Katy Perry surpassed Justin Bieber to become the most followed person on Twitter and received a Guinness record.
December 3, 2013: Named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
On December 3, 2013, Katy Perry was officially named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
2013: Ranked seventh on Forbes "Top-Earning Women In Music"
In 2013, Katy Perry ranked seventh on the Forbes list for "Top-Earning Women In Music" with $39 million earned.
2013: Labeled as "the most potent pop star of the day"
In 2013, The New York Times labeled Katy Perry "the most potent pop star of the day," noting that her hits are relatable with a hint of experimentation.
2013: Ranked Among Top Global Recording Artists
In 2013, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) ranked Katy Perry fifth on the list of Top Global Recording Artists.
2013: Declared the Top Global Female Recording Artist of 2013
Katy Perry was declared the Top Global Female Recording Artist of 2013 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
January 2014: Guest Curator for Art for Freedom
In January 2014, Katy Perry became a guest curator of Madonna's Art for Freedom initiative.
March 2014: Guest Appearance on Kroll Show
In March 2014, Katy Perry made a guest appearance playing herself in the episode "Blisteritos Presents Dad Academy Graduation Congraduritos Red Carpet Viewing Party" of the Kroll Show.
March 29, 2014: Helped raise $2.4 million for the Museum of Contemporary Art
On March 29, 2014, Katy Perry helped raise $2.4 million for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.
May 2014: Prismatic World Tour Begins
In May 2014, Katy Perry's third headlining tour, the Prismatic World Tour, began.
June 2014: Teamed up with Staples for "Make Roar Happen" project
In June 2014, Katy Perry teamed up with Staples Inc. for a project entitled "Make Roar Happen" which donated $1 million to DonorsChoose.
June 17, 2014: Founded Metamorphosis Music Record Label
On June 17, 2014, Katy Perry founded her own record label under Capitol Records, titled Metamorphosis Music, later renamed Unsub Records. Ferras was the first signed artist.
June 26, 2014: Top Certified Digital Artist Ever
On June 26, 2014, Katy Perry was declared the Top Certified Digital Artist Ever by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
November 23, 2014: Announcement of Super Bowl Halftime Performance
On November 23, 2014, the NFL announced that Katy Perry would perform at the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show on February 1, 2015.
2014: Release of "Birthday" and "This Is How We Do"
In 2014, "Birthday" and "This Is How We Do" were released as the fourth and fifth singles from the album Prism.
2014: Ranked fifth on Forbes "Top-Earning Women In Music"
In 2014, Katy Perry ranked fifth on the Forbes list for "Top-Earning Women In Music" with $40 million.
February 1, 2015: Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show Performance
On February 1, 2015, Katy Perry performed at the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show with Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott as special guests. The performance garnered 118.5 million viewers in the United States.
March 2015: Appearance in Brand: A Second Coming and Release of Prismatic World Tour Concert Film
In March 2015, Katy Perry appeared in Brand: A Second Coming and released a concert film titled Katy Perry: The Prismatic World Tour through Epix.
June 2015: Cameo in Madonna's Music Video
In June 2015, Katy Perry made a cameo appearance in the music video for Madonna's song "Bitch I'm Madonna".
June 2015: "Dark Horse" music video reached one billion views on Vevo
In June 2015, Katy Perry's music video for "Dark Horse" became the first video by a female artist to reach one billion views on Vevo.
September 2015: Appearance in Documentaries
In September 2015, Katy Perry appeared in the documentaries Katy Perry: Making of the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show and Jeremy Scott: The People's Designer.
September 27, 2015: Performance at Rock in Rio
On September 27, 2015, Katy Perry performed at the 2015 Rock in Rio festival.
October 2015: Prismatic World Tour Concludes
In October 2015, Katy Perry's Prismatic World Tour concluded, having sold almost 2 million tickets and grossed $204.3 million worldwide.
November 23, 2015: Starred in H&M Holiday Campaign
On November 23, 2015, Katy Perry starred in H&M's holiday advertising campaign, for which she wrote and recorded a song titled "Every Day Is a Holiday".
December 2015: Release of Katy Perry Pop Mobile App
In December 2015, Katy Perry released a mobile app titled Katy Perry Pop through Glu Mobile.
2015: Ranked number one on Forbes "Top-Earning Women In Music"
In 2015, Forbes ranked Katy Perry number one on their "Top-Earning Women In Music" list as well as the "World's Highest-Paid Musicians" and declared her the highest earning female celebrity in 2015, placing her at number 3 on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, with earnings of $135 million.
February 2016: Katy Perry appears in Zoolander 2
In February 2016, Katy Perry appeared as herself in the film Zoolander 2.
May 2016: Worked with UNICEF to improve child care quality in Vietnam
In May 2016, Katy Perry worked with UNICEF to improve child care quality in Vietnam.
June 2016: Signed an open letter demanding increased gun control
Following the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in June 2016, Katy Perry and nearly 200 other artists and executives in music signed an open letter organized by Billboard addressed to United States Congress demanding increased gun control in the United States.
June 2016: Started writing songs for her new album
In June 2016, Katy Perry started writing songs for her new album.
August 2016: Perry discusses her fifth album
In August 2016, Katy Perry stated she was experimenting with different producers, collaborators, and styles for her fifth album, aiming to create material that connects, relates, and inspires. She told Ryan Seacrest she was "not rushing" the album.
2016: Ranked number six on Forbes list of "Highest-Paid Women in Music"
In 2016, Forbes estimated Katy Perry's net worth was $125 million, and ranked her number six on their list of "Highest-Paid Women in Music" with earnings of $41 million.
February 10, 2017: Release of "Chained to the Rhythm"
On February 10, 2017, Katy Perry released "Chained to the Rhythm" featuring Skip Marley as the lead single from her upcoming fifth album. The song reached number one in Hungary and number four in the United States, and it broke Spotify's record at the time for the highest first-day streaming for a single track by a female artist with over three million streams.
February 2017: Launch of Katy Perry Collections shoe line
In February 2017, Katy Perry launched her shoe line, Katy Perry Collections, available on its website and at retailers like Dillard's and Walmart.
February 26, 2017: Co-chaired the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party
On February 26, 2017, Katy Perry served as a co-chair for the 25th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party, a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS healthcare.
June 4, 2017: Performed at the One Love Manchester benefit concert
On June 4, 2017, Katy Perry performed at the One Love Manchester benefit concert for the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
June 9, 2017: Release of 'Witness' album
On June 9, 2017, Katy Perry's album 'Witness' was released to mixed reviews, debuting at number one in the United States.
June 15, 2017: Calvin Harris releases "Feels" featuring Perry
On June 15, 2017, Calvin Harris released the song "Feels" from his album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, featuring Katy Perry, Big Sean, and Pharrell Williams. The song reached number one in the United Kingdom.
June 2017: First person to gain 100 million Twitter followers
In June 2017, Katy Perry became the first person to gain 100 million followers on Twitter.
September 2017: Start of Witness: The Tour
In September 2017, Katy Perry embarked on Witness: The Tour.
2017: Launch of her shoe collection, Katy Perry Collections
During the 2017 launch of her shoe collection, Katy Perry Collections, she discussed how she cultivated her style on a budget by shopping at thrift and vintage stores and how fashion is a form of communication.
2017: Became the first artist to have three Diamond-certified songs from the RIAA
In 2017, Katy Perry became the first artist to have three Diamond-certified songs from the RIAA. Her new certification for "Roar" joined her previously Diamond-certified songs "Dark Horse" and "Firework".
2017: Nation Equality Award from Human Rights Campaign
In 2017, Katy Perry received a Nation Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign for "using her powerful voice and international platform to speak out for LGBTQ equality". During her acceptance speech, she discussed having bisexual experiences, her fluid sexuality, and thanked the LGBTQ+ community.
March 2018: Announced Witness: Coming Home benefit concert
In March 2018, Katy Perry announced Witness: Coming Home, a benefit concert that was held in her hometown of Santa Barbara on May 19, 2018.
March 2018: Perry joins American Idol as a judge
In March 2018, Katy Perry began serving as a judge on the sixteenth season of American Idol, with a $25-million salary.
May 19, 2018: Held Witness: Coming Home benefit concert
On May 19, 2018, Katy Perry held Witness: Coming Home, a benefit concert that benefited those recovering from the aftermath of the 2017 California wildfires and 2018 Southern California mudflows.
August 2018: End of Witness: The Tour
In August 2018, Witness: The Tour concluded.
November 2, 2018: Release of "Waving Through a Window" cover
On November 2, 2018, Katy Perry's cover of the Dear Evan Hansen song "Waving Through a Window" was released on the deluxe edition of the cast recording.
2018: Topped Forbes "Highest-Paid Women in Music" listing
In 2018, Katy Perry topped Forbes' "Highest-Paid Women in Music" listing and ranked at number four on the "Highest-Paid Female Celebrities" list, with earnings of $83 million.
2018: Unwanted kiss to a contestant on American Idol
In 2018, while serving as a judge on American Idol, Katy Perry kissed a 19-year-old contestant, Benjamin Glaze, on the lips without his consent, sparking backlash.
June 2019: Appearance in Taylor Swift's music video
In June 2019, Katy Perry appeared in the music video for Taylor Swift's "You Need to Calm Down".
2019: Ranked number four on Forbes "Highest-Paid Women in Music" listings
In 2019, Katy Perry was placed at number four on the "Highest-Paid Women in Music" listings by Forbes, with $57.5 million.
May 15, 2020: Release of "Daisies"
On May 15, 2020, "Daisies" was released as the lead single from Katy Perry's sixth album.
August 28, 2020: Release of 'Smile' album
On August 28, 2020, Katy Perry's album, 'Smile', was released.
November 2020: Release of Tiësto remix of "Resilient"
In November 2020, the Tiësto remix of Katy Perry's "Resilient" featuring Aitana was released.
December 2020: Release of "Not the End of the World"
In December 2020, Katy Perry released the single "Not the End of the World", featuring Zooey Deschanel in the music video.
January 20, 2021: Performance at Celebrating America concert
On January 20, 2021, Katy Perry performed "Firework" at the Celebrating America concert during the inauguration of Joe Biden.
April 2021: Release of Bruno Martini remix of "Cry About It Later"
In April 2021, the Bruno Martini remix of Katy Perry's "Cry About It Later" featuring Luísa Sonza was released.
September 2021: Honored in Variety's "Power of Women" issue
In September 2021, Variety honored Katy Perry in their "Power of Women" issue, where she discussed her career, motherhood, and philanthropy. She attended the Variety 2021 "Power of Women" dinner as a nominee.
December 29, 2021: Premiere of Play concert residency
On December 29, 2021, Katy Perry began hosting her concert residency named Play at Resorts World Las Vegas.
2021: Donations for Baby2Baby from Spotify streams
In 2021, all Spotify streams of Katy Perry's cover of "All You Need Is Love" generated $1 in donations for the charity Baby2Baby.
2021: Heralded as a "gay icon"
In a 2021 Out interview, Katy Perry was heralded as a "gay icon", with her song "I Kissed a Girl" being called a "bonafide queer anthem". She thanked the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting on her sheltered upbringing and how much growth has occurred since her career began.
January 2022: Establishment of De Soi
In January 2022, Katy Perry and Morgan McLachlan established De Soi, a company producing and selling non-alcoholic apéritifs.
April 1, 2022: Release of "Where We Started"
On April 1, 2022, Katy Perry and Thomas Rhett released their country pop duet titled "Where We Started" for his album of the same name.
May 2023: Perry performs at the Coronation Concert of Charles III
In May 2023, Katy Perry performed at the Coronation Concert of Charles III at Windsor Castle.
September 2023: Forbes surmised her net worth was $340 million
During September 2023, Forbes surmised Katy Perry's net worth was $340 million.
November 4, 2023: Conclusion of Play concert residency
On November 4, 2023, Katy Perry concluded her Play concert residency at Resorts World Las Vegas, grossing $46.4 million.
February 2024: Perry Announces Exit from American Idol
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February 2024, Katy Perry announced her exit from American Idol after the conclusion of the twenty-second season.
May 2024: "Roar" music video reached four billion views on YouTube
During May 2024, the music video for "Roar" reached four billion views, making it the most viewed music video by a female artist on YouTube at that time.
July 11, 2024: Release of "Woman's World"
On July 11, 2024, Katy Perry released "Woman's World", the first single from her seventh album.
December 20, 2024: Release of 1432
On December 20, 2024, Perry released a deluxe edition of 143 titled 1432 containing four additional tracks.
April 14, 2025: Perry flies to space on Blue Origin NS-31
On April 14, 2025, Katy Perry flew into space aboard Blue Origin NS-31 under the New Shepard program, becoming part of the first all-female space flight since 1963. The event drew considerable criticism.
June 2025: Net worth increased to $360 million
By June 2025, Katy Perry's net worth increased to $360 million, and she was included on Forbes' 2025 list of "America's Richest Women Celebrities".
September 2025: Second-most followed woman on Twitter
As of September 2025, Katy Perry was the second-most followed woman on Twitter, with over 104 million followers.
November 6, 2025: Release of "Bandaids"
On November 6, 2025, Katy Perry released a new song titled "Bandaids".
November 2025: Garnered over 125 billion streams
As of November 2025, Katy Perry has garnered over 125 billion streams from various digital and streaming platforms.
2025: Ranked fifth on "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century"
Billboard ranked Katy Perry fifth on the 2025 "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list.
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