The next big thing: Katy Perry

WHO IS SHE?
A feisty Californian singer-songwriter and America's newest pop sweetheart. Her latest single, I Kissed A Girl, went to the top of the U.S. charts  -  she now has her sights on Britain.

WHAT'S THE SPIN?
Katy's record label has dubbed her the secret love child of Lucille Ball and Freddie Mercury. Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton has got his own opinion, as usual. Says Perez: 'If Avril Lavigne were talented, pretty and had an appealing personality, she'd be Katy Perry.' Ouch!

AND THE TRUTH?
Perry's high-octane combination of glam and disco is certainly catchy. And Ms Lavigne should indeed be worried: her position as the queen of pop with attitude might soon come under threat.

WHAT'S THE STORY?
Raised in a strict religious household in Santa Barbara, Perry grew up listening to gospel music. She began singing in church, but turned to pop after hearing Queen for the first time. After a stint in Nashville, the 23-yearold hooked up with Alanis Morissette's former producer Glen Ballard and signed a deal with Capitol. She says: 'People appreciate a songwriter with different sides. The whole angst thing is cool. But if that's all you've got, it becomes boring.' 

AND THEN?
She entered an LA studio with Ballard and Dave Stewart, of the Eurythmics, and recorded a debut album, One Of The Boys, that mixes sassy pop and confessional ballads. Her single ('I kissed a girl, just to try it,' she sings) is out in Britain in September. 'I don't care who I'm compared to as long as people listen to the music,' she says. 'Pop stars are hard to relate to because they're afraid people will exploit their flaws. I, on the other hand, celebrate my flaws.' Watch out!