Mark Levine/ABC
The American Idol revival is off to a rocky start with reported record low ratings and some controversy before they can even get out of the audition episodes!
On Sunday March 11, 19-year-old aspiring country singer named Benjamin Glaze revealed to the judges that he had never kissed a girl before when Luke jokingly asked him, “Have you kissed a girl and liked it?” referencing Perry’s 2008 hit song. Glaze responded, “I have never been in a relationship and I can’t kiss a girl without being in a relationship.” Perry then beckoned the young singer towards her and said “One on the cheek?” before quickly kissing him on the lips.
While he didn’t make it past the audition, he later talked to The New York Times saying, “I was a tad bit uncomfortable. I wanted to save [my first kiss] for my first relationship. I wanted it to be special.”
“Would I have done it if she said, ‘Would you kiss me?’ No, I would have said no,” he added to NYT. “I know a lot of guys would be like, ‘Heck yeah!’ But for me, I was raised in a conservative family and I was uncomfortable immediately. I wanted my first kiss to be special.”
After his interview went viral however, Glaze clarified his stance on his Instagram, making sure people knew he did not feel that he was sexually harassed. “Hi everyone, I would like to clear a few things up for anyone who is confused, concerned, or angry. I am not complaining about the kiss from Katy Perry at all, doing a few news reports and being interviewed by many different reporters has caused some major questions,” he began.
“The way certain articles are worded is not done by me, and my true intentions are not accurately represented in every article you read about the situation. I am not complaining about the kiss, I am very honored and thankful to have been apart of American Idol. The main purpose for the show is to find stars and new music artist. I do wish I would have performed better in the moment. I should have picked another song to sing and calmed myself down regardless of the kiss.”
He added, “I should have been able to perform under pressure. I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry and I am thankful for the judges comments and critiques. I was uncomfortable in a sense of how I have never been kissed before and was not expecting it. My main goal is to reach people through the universal love of music and not cause strife or anger against anyone or about any situation! Please take into consideration that I don’t believe my views have been appropriately communicated through the media! Thank you to everyone who has followed me in this journey and I hope I answered a few questions.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=7iQn-toQp6A
Telisa Carter
Telisa enjoys learning and writing about all things entertainment in the world of Hollywood. When she isn't catching up on her favorite TV shows, she likes to read, and obsess over all things football.