Katy Perry recently revealed that Madonna was "super nice" to her when she first entered the music industry, though gaining the pop icon’s approval wasn't easy.
During an appearance on the Australian TV show *The Project*, the 39-year-old "Firework" singer shared that Madonna's support came after a bit of a challenge. "It took a minute because she was testing me," Katy explained, adding, "But then she became super nice."
Although Katy didn’t elaborate on how Madonna "tested" her, she fondly recalled the legendary singer’s early encouragement. "She just does her Madonna thing," Katy said. "She’d invite me to parties, and we even did a photoshoot together, which was incredible. She’s the greatest."
A pivotal moment in their relationship came when Madonna gave Katy’s 2007 single "Ur So Gay" a shout-out during a radio interview, which helped jumpstart her career. "That mention really marked the beginning for me," Katy shared. "It was a huge push that helped me break into the industry."
As she approaches 40, Katy expressed her appreciation for Madonna’s lasting influence, crediting her with inspiring her latest album, *143*. "Every female artist still owes her a thank you," she said. "I’m 40 and still making music because of Madonna!"