Katy Perry Began 'Backsliding' from God at 17 — Her Relationship with Faith and Her Pastor Dad

Katy Perry is one of today's iconic singers, who launched her path to stardom with the hit single "I Kissed A Girl" -- a title her parents would have never approved of.

With bold, colorful clothing and wild song lyrics, no one would ever think that Katy Perry was once set to become a gospel singer.

Before the pop icon reached stardom, she was raised by an evangelical Christian pastor in a strict environment. Here's a look at how Perry's childhood beliefs changed through the years.

GROWING UP IN A CHRISTIAN HOUSEHOLD

Born Katheryn Hudson to a Christian pastor, Perry's values followed strict religious thinking. Her talent for singing came at an early age and was set to be used for gospel songs.

At 13 years old, Perry's mother made her daughter record a gospel album in Nashville, hoping for her to become the next Amy Grant.

"Amy Grant was our Madonna. We knew about Madonna and Marilyn Manson in my family because we picketed their concerts," the singer shared.

Her childhood consisted of skipping Halloween, a non-Christian event, celebrating Christmas, and watching Bill O'Reilly on television.

Both entertainers had to push back their wedding plans for safety reasons, but delaying pregnancy is no option.

According to the "Firework" artist, she did not have a childhood around her non-accepting family, who only allowed her to read Biblical text. It wasn't until she was 17 that Perry felt her faith was slipping away; that she was "backsliding."

RISE TO STARDOM

In 2008, the pop star released her hit single "I Kissed A Girl," which in the title itself conveys a homosexual theme.

Prior to her song release, Perry's parents banned similar kinds of music in their home, as well as the use of the terms "deviled eggs" and "dirt devil."

With the release of "I Kissed A Girl" came reports that her father allegedly asked people who attended his sermon to pray for his "devil child."

Perry knows she was raised in a bubble and shielded away from reality. Education was not a priority in her younger years; hence, she was only exposed to the real world in her 20s.

Today, despite their differences and disagreements, the "Roar" artist has a tight bond with her parents. Her parents also grew up and learned to live with different ideologies.

Perry's parents no longer try to change her beliefs; the same way she doesn't sway their thinking. The Hudsons remain happy for their daughter's success.

PERRY'S FAITH

In 2013, Perry spoke about her faith in an interview: "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."

According to the iconic artist, her connection to a supreme being is not defined by religion. "I pray all the time -- for self-control, for humility. There's a lot of gratitude in it," she shared.

However, her most significant spiritual transformation happened after she struggled with alcoholism and depression in 2017, following the flop of her album, "Witness."

She attended a week-long program that felt like a ten-year-long therapy, bringing her closer to God and easing her heightened emotions.

During her years in the music industry, Perry's mom prayed that she would "come back to God." However, the singer said: "I never left Him. (...) But now that I'm in my 30s, it's more about spirituality and heart wholeness."

The "Last Friday Night" artist also admitted to being a fan of Pope Francis, who has tried reconnecting with people of different generations.

LIFE IN FULL BLOOM

During Perry's darkest times, there was another man who gave her comfort and solace -- her fiance, Orlando Bloom, with whom she'll be starting a family.

The singer is currently pregnant with the actor's child amid the coronavirus pandemic. The couple is expecting a daughter later this year, despite the challenges that come with the global crisis.

Both entertainers had to push back their wedding plans for safety reasons, but delaying pregnancy is no option. "Being pregnant in a pandemic, it's an emotional rollercoaster," Perry shared.

The soon-to-be-mom also had to delay the release of her new album, "Smile," set to come out on August 28.