If you’re a fan of Katy Perry’s distinct brand of dance-pop, you’ll be thrilled to know there are a number of other electropop and bubblegum pop artists that can scratch the same proverbial sonic itch.
Just like Katy Perry herself, many pop singers began their careers in other genres before finding mainstream success with their powerful voices and vibrant personalities.
These 13 amazing singers similar to Katy Perry aren’t exactly the same — they didn’t write “Teenage Dream” or “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)” — but they do share the same appeal. Read on to learn who they are!
1. Taylor Swift
Like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift is a pop music sensation. She has taken the world by storm with her long list of chart-topping hits and drummed up a fanbase in the billions.
Despite their shared successes in the industry, Swift’s relationship with Perry hasn’t always been smooth sailing. A controversy erupted between them some years ago, which transformed into one of the most publicized disputes in pop music.
Allegedly sparked off by an undisclosed incident that left Swift deeply hurt, this rivalry catalyzed the creation of the song “Bad Blood,” a hit song that targeted Perry specifically.
Long since buried, this past grudge hasn’t hurt either singer’s career, as both have been propelled to mega-stardom in the years following the drama.
2. Lady Gaga
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, the megastar singer-songwriter known as Lady Gaga, has made a significant impact in the music industry, just like Katy Perry.
Her rise in popularity began with the release of her aptly named debut album in 2008: The Fame. It topped the charts across the globe, including the UK and Canada, while landing at #2 on the Billboard 200.
Lady Gaga has since added four more albums to her repertoire, all of them topping the Billboard 200 and five songs at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Rain on Me” (2020), featuring Ariana Grande, is Lady Gaga’s latest to reach the top of the chart and has won her a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
3. Ellie Goulding
Elena Jane Goulding, popularly known as Ellie Goulding, has captivated the world with her ethereal voice. With influences spanning a diverse range of artists, like Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, and Björk, Goulding has carved out a unique sound that elevates pop.
Unlike many pop stars, Goulding’s music often blends elements of folk, pop, and electronic, creating a unique sound that sets her apart. Moreover, her music often reflects her personal experiences and emotions, making it deeply relatable. Songs like “Love Me Like You Do” and “Burn” showcase her ability to convey complex emotions through her music.
In connection with Katy Perry, Goulding is not just a major pop star, but interestingly enough, she has revealed that the only contemporary female artist she is close to in her personal life is, in fact, Perry.
4. Ariana Grande
Next up is Ariana Grande, who is also a dominant force in the music industry and shares many parallels with Katy Perry. Both ladies have built an impressive track record, marked by many chart-topping singles and dedicated fan bases that surpass the millions.
Ariana’s journey to stardom began when she attended her first concert featuring none other than Katy herself. Fast-forward to today, she now has six chart-topping albums and 54 singles, seven of which have landed the top spot on Billboard Hot 100, like “7 Rings” and “Thank U, Next.”
She has received over 200 awards, including two Grammys and an AMA Artist of the Year in 2016. Ariana has even broken several Guinness World records, the latest being “Most songs to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (female)” in 2022.
5. Dua Lipa
Known for her mezzo-soprano vocal range that allows her to hit high notes with ease, Dua Lipa is another popular pop singer worthy of being on this list. Her songs often feature disco-influenced production, giving them a catchy and upbeat tempo.
Dua Lipa idolized Katy Perry when she was younger and even had the opportunity to attend one of Perry’s concerts when she was just 15 years old. Today, Dua Lipa is actually friends with Perry, showcasing the strong bond that can be formed between women in the music industry.
Katy Perry fans who want to explore Dua Lipa’s extraordinary discography shouldn’t hesitate to do so. Not sure where to start? Try the chart-topping hit “One Kiss” or the Grammy-winning song “Electricity.”
6. Miley Cyrus
A close friend of Katy Perry for many years, Miley Cyrus, has claimed that Perry’s hit song “I Kissed a Girl” was actually written about her. Their friendship has withstood the test of time, and their bond remains strong today.
Cyrus, often referred to as the Pop Chameleon, is known for her musical adaptability and rising popularity despite traversing countless genres — including country, pop, alt-rock, and electropop.
With a career that began on Disney Channel’s hit show Hannah Montana, Cyrus is now one of the greatest female artists of all time, according to Billboard, while her “Party in the USA” song is one of the best-selling singles in the US, certified Diamond in 2023.
7. Selena Gomez
Our next singer, Selena Gomez, has been linked to various singers throughout her career, including Katy Perry, in terms of music and style — blending elements of pop, dance-pop, and electropop.
A year after her band, Selena Gomez & the Scene, went on hiatus, Selena embarked on a solo career, debuting with a chart-topping album called Stars Dance. She has since released two more equally successful albums.
The last album, Rare, featured Selena’s greatest hit, “Lose You to Love Me.” It was her first song to top the Billboard Hot 100, and it also won the singer an ASCAP Pop Music Award.
In addition to music, Selena has also made a name for herself in the film industry. She starred in films like Monte Carlo and Spring Breakers and also lent her voice to animated features, most notably playing Mavis in the popular Hotel Transylvania franchise.
8. Meghan Trainor
The American singer-songwriter and record producer Meghan Trainor is known for her extremely bass-driven pop music. With this, she has made a massive mark in the pop music landscape in a very brief period of time.
Trainor’s breakthrough came in 2014 when she released her debut single, “All About That Bass.” The song quickly became a viral sensation due to its catchy tune and empowering message about body positivity. It topped the charts in several countries, including the US, and catapulted Trainor into the global spotlight.
Her debut studio album, Title, was released the following year and also achieved significant success, taking the #1 spot on the charts of the US, UK, Canada, and Scotland.
9. Carly Rae Jepsen
A Canadian singer-songwriter, Carly Rae Jepsen has risen through the ranks to become more than just a pop artist — she has become an easily recognizable icon with her hit single “Call Me Maybe.”
With her pop songs produced by easily identifiable producers like John Hill, she continues to experience critical acclaim and commercial success in equal measure.
Jepsen has been an opening act for popular artists like Katy Perry and Justin Bieber. Her performances are energetic, and her rise to fame has ushered in poptimism, leaving fans spellbound by her talent on stage.
Recognized for her contributions to pop music, Jepsen has received accolades at the Billboard Awards for her outstanding achievements as an artist.
10. Camila Cabello
Next up is the singer-songwriter and actress Camila Cabello. Originally from Cuba, the Latin singer draws inspiration from artists like Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift.
Cabello’s rise to fame began when she auditioned for The X Factor US in 2012. Although she was eliminated during the boot camp round, she was later recalled and put into a group with four other girls, which became known as Fifth Harmony.
After Cabello departed the group in 2016 for a solo career, she released her debut single, “Crying in the Club.” It was well-received; however, it was the song “Havana,” featuring Young Thug, that truly catapulted her to global fame. “Havana” topped the charts in several countries and became one of the best-selling singles of 2018.
11. Jessie J
Up next is the talented British singer-songwriter Jessie J. She gained recognition at a young age when she won Best Pop Singer on the TV show Britain’s Brilliant Prodigies. After graduating from a performing arts school, Jessie J started her journey in the music industry.
Drawing inspiration from soul, R&B, and hip-hop, she creates unique dance-pop and electropop that clearly resonate with listeners. Through her collaborations as both a songwriter and vocalist, Jessie J has achieved number-one hits for herself, like “Price Tag” and “Bang Bang.”
Jessie J’s influence extends beyond music. She has been open about her health struggles, including a heart condition, using her platform to raise awareness and encourage others.
12. Demi Lovato
“Heart Attack” singer Demi Lovato is a pop music artist who has a distinctive identity that shapes their music — and their fanbase. With powerful vocals at the forefront of their material, Lovato has produced a number of chart-topping hits throughout their solo career.
Lovato’s music career took off with their debut album, Don’t Forget, released in 2008. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and was followed by several other successful albums, including Here We Go Again, Confident, and Tell Me You Love Me.
Just like Katy Perry, Lovato has also taken breaks in their career to focus on personal growth and their mental health. They aren’t afraid to be honest with the press about personal struggles or self-identity, which is rare to see among celebrities of their caliber.
13. Halsey
We end this list with Halsey, an American alt-pop singer, songwriter, and musician who has made a name for herself in the music industry as a pop star with alternative flair.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Halsey’s real name is Ashley Nicolette Frangipane. As a singer inspired by Katy Perry, she’s an appropriate inclusion here. She not only admires Perry as an artist but has come to consider her a good friend as their relationship has grown.
Since her debut in 2015, Halsey has amassed fans with hits like “Without Me,” “Hold Me Down,” and “Nightmare.” Her latest album, the 2021 If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, has already reached Gold status and took the #2 spot on Billboard 200.
Summing Up Our List Of Artists Like Katy Perry
While not comprehensive, these 13 singers have consistently brought their own larger-than-life personality and energy to contemporary pop music.
From the likes of Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande to Carly Rae Jepsen and Lady Gaga, each artist is pushing the boundaries of pop music while still attaining commercial appeal with undeniably catchy songs.
Who have we missed that should be on this list? Let us know, and we’ll add them here for you! Happy listening!
