Singer Katy Perry arrives at the 20th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood, California February 26, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Katy Perry has splashed out $50,000 on cooking lessons.

The 'Firework' singer entered a bidding war with film producer Steve Tisch for home cooking lessons with chef Cat Cora during an auction at Sir Elton John's AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party at West Hollywood Park last night (26.02.12), before the pair agreed to split the final $100,000 winning bid.

An attendee told Us Weekly magazine: "Katy emptied her purse out jokingly for the cameras before she and Steve agreed to share the prize for $100,000.

"Katy got up and hugged him delightedly. She seemed a bit tipsy, but not messy at all."

The 27-year-old brunette - who split from husband Russell Brand in December - and Steve were inspired to bid for the prize thanks to actor Neil Patrick Harris encouraging the pair by beat boxing as bids were coming in for the cookery experience.

The attendee added: "Neil Patrick Harris was beat boxing while chef Cat Cora and David Burka sang [Snoop Dogg's] 'Drop It Like It's Hot' to sell a cooking experience during the auction."

A number of stars turned out for the event - which sees all the proceeds go to Elton's AIDS Foundation, which raises funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment - including Miley Cyrus and her boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, as well as Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler.