Katy Perry Praises Pop Icon For 'Breaking Down Barriers' For Female Artists

Katy Perry won't forget who paved the way for other female artists, praising a pop legend for "breaking down barriers" that helped her own career flourish.

In a new interview with Australian TV program The Project , the "Woman's World" singer claimed that many female artists today have Madonna to thank for her impact on music, per People . Perry even shared how the "Material Girl" singer influence not just her budding career when she was a newer artists but how Perry interacts with other up-and-coming pop artists today.

"Madonna was really nice to me — well, it took a minute because she was testing me, and then she became super nice to me," she said, adding that Madonna "actually shouted out my song, and that was really the beginning of my career. That's kind of what started to break me."

The 2024 MTV VMAs Video Vanguard recipient thinks of that experience now when she meets newer artists.

"That might be the only interaction that we ever have, and people may not remember what you say, but they will always remember how you make them feel, and so that is very instilled inside of me," she said.

The "Lifetimes" hitmaker said musicians today, specifically female artists, should still be grateful for and send thanks to the Queen of Pop for her lasting impact.

"She paved the way," she said. "When you talk about me reaching out to younger artists, every female [artist] still needs to continue to say thank you to her because she is breaking down barriers. I'm 40, I still get to do music because of Madonna."