‘American Idol’ Contestant Felt ‘Uncomfortable’ During Katy Perry Kiss
American Idol's ABC reboot may have been the least-watched premiere in the singing competition show's history, but there was one part that got the people talking. A contestant, Benjamin Glaze, divulged he'd never been kissed before during his audition, and judge Katy Perry took it upon herself to remedy that.
After introducing himself and saying he works as a cashier at an electronic store where he meets "cute girls," fellow judge Luke Bryan asked Glaze, “Have you kissed a girl and liked it?” making a joke about Perry's 2008 hit. The then 19-year-old explained that he's “never been in a relationship” and without being in one “can’t kiss a girl.” The pop star then summoned him over and instructed him to kiss her on the cheek. After complaining he “didn’t even make the smoosh sound,” she urged him to try again, and when he did she turned so that he gave her a little peck on the lips.
"I was a tad bit uncomfortable," the now 20-year-old admitted in an interview with The New York Times.
Even though the footage shows Glaze dropping to the ground with a huge smile on his face, internally he was not so excited. the Oklahoma native said. “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.”
Though some people are accusing Perry of a forced sexual act, Glaze doesn't see it that way, and is actually happy it happened. “I’m glad she did it because it’s a great opportunity to get my music out,” he said after receiving unanimous no's from the three judges.
The audition was taped months ago, and in the time that's passed the aspiring singer has a different outlook after consulting his friends. “They agreed with me that it didn’t really count,” he explained. “It was lip contact versus a romantic situation with someone you care about. That’s what a real first kiss is.”
Watch the whole awkward encounter below.