Since 2005 Katy Perry has made bold statements with her wild, outfits, quirky personality and sassy song lyrics. She’s a favorite name in households and on iPods worldwide.

As a tribute to new album Teenage Dream being released on August 24, here are 20 must-know tidbits about Russell Brand’s sweetheart.

1. Katy Perry was born Katheryn Hudson. She changed her name to avoid being confused with actress Kate Hudson. Perry is her mother’s maiden name.

2. Perry is the middle child of two devout Christian ministers from Santa Barbara, CA.

Read Picture of the Day: Katy Perry

3. In the 1990s Katy began taking singing lessons and traveling to Nashville, where her parents know people in the gospel recording industry.