by Christine Zibas

Created on: February 25, 2013

Pop Princess Katy Perry has recently been getting more attention for her relationship with the ever-dateworthy John Mayer than her music, but she has already achieved so much in such a short period of time that she outshines the player (and any other man that she‘s been linked to).

It was just five years ago that she burst onto the music scene with her risqué pop hit “I Kissed a Girl.” Since then, she has gone on to have many more chart-topping hits, as well as provide fans with an inside look at life as a music diva in her documentary, “Katy Perry: Part of Me.” Today, Perry is among the most influential female pop vocalists.

The former gospel singer has put on the cute costumes and created a sugary sweet concoction of dance-worthy tunes that tend to outshine their contemporaries. While some of the style distractions may make her more kitschy, they can’t hide her real talent (her vocal ability). Here are just five of her stand-outs.

California Gurls

Along with rapper Snoop Dog, Katy Perry has created what she views as the “West Coast version of Jay-Z’s ‘Empire State of Mind.’” One of the most successful summer hits for Perry, the song was produced by Benny Blanco, Dr. Luke, and Max Martin, giants in the music industry. This was Perry’s second number one hit on the charts, where it remained for six weeks. It also hit the number one spot in no fewer than 10 countries around the globe.

Firework

Noted by Perry as one of her favorite songs, this “self-esteem anthem…reached the top five of the pop singles chart in at least 20 countries around the world.” Its special significance links to Katy Perry’s ex-husband comic actor Russell Brand, who introduced her to the Jack Kerouac classic, “On the Road,” which, in part, inspired its creation. The song has sold more than 5 million copies since its debut and was nominated for Record of the Year at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. It has been used in more than one Disney film, as well as on television’s “Glee.”

Hot N Cold

Pop producers Max Martin and Dr. Luke also had a hand in this Katy Perry smash. While it never reached the number one spot on the charts, it nonetheless remained in the top 10 for some 18 weeks, far more than her memorable “I Kissed a Girl.” “Hot N Cold” is a signature Perry dance tune with great lyrics that contrast the on-again, off-again nature of young love. The song garnered Perry a Grammy nod, selling more than 5 million copies.

Part of Me

Like so many songwriters,

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