ENID, OK - Enid musician, Benjamin Glaze, is stuck in the middle of nationwide discussion after being kissed by Katy Perry on American Idol. Glaze appeared on the talent show Sunday night during his prime time audition.
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Even though it aired earlier this week, the audition itself took place last October when Glaze was only 19. During the audition Luke Bryan asked Glaze, “Have you kissed a girl and liked it?” The question was making a reference to Perry’s first hit single, “I Kissed A Girl.”
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After revealing to the judges that he hadn’t ever been in a relationship or had a kiss, Perry invited him over for a playful kiss on her cheek. Once he “didn’t even make the smoosh sound,” Perry encouraged him to give her another kiss. On the second kiss attempt, Perry quickly turned her face resulting in a quick peck on the lips.
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Glaze practically fell to the ground in surprise and was comforted by Lionel Ritchie after asking for a bottle of water. It was apparent that the event affected Glazes audition as he hurried through his song and did not receive a ticket to Hollywood.
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The segment has become one of the most talked-about of the shows premiere. Many viewers perceived the kiss as funny and spontaneous, while others on social media claimed it was “sexual harassment.” Some commented, “Imagine if this was from a male judge."
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Due to the national news coverage of the kiss on almost all major news channels and an interview with the New York Times, Glaze has addressed the situation on his Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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Glaze posted, “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. 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. I should have been able to perform under pressure."
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He continued: "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."
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Enid Musician Clears Up Kiss Controversy
