Taking Sides

Luke Bryan Defends Katy Perry’s Controversial ‘American Idol' Kiss

March 20, 2018 11:28AM

She received a ton of backlash for smooching an auditioning contestant.

American Idol judge Katy Perry got herself into a ton of hot water after she gave auditioning contestant Benjamin Glaze a kiss on the lips during a recent episode. According to Benjamin, the sly kiss made him “a tad bit uncomfortable” as he had never kissed a girl before. Now, fellow AI judge Luke Bryan is coming to Katy’s defense, saying the whole incident was blown way out of proportion. Click through for all the details.

1 of 7

KATY1

Photo credit: Getty

Benjamin, who auditioned with his own original song “Stadium," was asked by Luke if he had ever kissed a girl, referencing Katy's number one hit, "I Kissed A Girl," from 2008.

2 of 7

Benjamin responded that he hadn’t, and Katy took the initiative and gave him a kiss on the cheek before surprising him shortly after with a quick peck on the lips.

3 of 7

KATY2

Photo credit: Getty

This didn’t sit well with Benjamin, who talked about his experience with The New York Times. "I wanted to save [my first kiss] for my first relationship. I wanted it to be special,” he said. He later clarified on his Instagram account that his response to the kiss was misconstrued.

4 of 7

KATY3

Photo credit: BACKGRID

Now Luke is speaking up about the kiss “melee.” “It’s unfortunate that stuff like that turns into a story that big,” he told The Morning Show, a program based in Australia. “I watched an actual interview where Ben, the kid that was involved, said that he was cool with everything.”

5 of 7

KATY4

Photo credit: BACKGRID

“I gotta back Katy on that. She’s in there working hard and making fun TV,” he added.

6 of 7

KATY5

Photo credit: BACKGRID

The country music superstar is also fully aware of the criticisms he, Katy and fellow judge Lionel Richie were going to face, and he’s OK with it. “We are going to get it right sometimes and get it wrong sometimes," he said. "We’re in there critiquing people. I may say something one day that everybody’s not going to like. That’s just what you signed up for. At the end of the day, me and Lionel and Katy and Ryan (Seacrest), our hearts are in the right place.”

7 of 7

KATY6

Photo credit: Getty

Do you think this kiss situation was taken way out of context? Sound off in the comments!

Back to intro

1/7

Benjamin, who auditioned with his own original song “Stadium," was asked by Luke if he had ever kissed a girl, referencing Katy's number one hit, "I Kissed A Girl," from 2008.

Benjamin responded that he hadn’t, and Katy took the initiative and gave him a kiss on the cheek before surprising him shortly after with a quick peck on the lips.

This didn’t sit well with Benjamin, who talked about his experience with The New York Times. "I wanted to save [my first kiss] for my first relationship. I wanted it to be special,” he said. He later clarified on his Instagram account that his response to the kiss was misconstrued.

Now Luke is speaking up about the kiss “melee.” “It’s unfortunate that stuff like that turns into a story that big,” he told The Morning Show, a program based in Australia. “I watched an actual interview where Ben, the kid that was involved, said that he was cool with everything.”

“I gotta back Katy on that. She’s in there working hard and making fun TV,” he added.

The country music superstar is also fully aware of the criticisms he, Katy and fellow judge Lionel Richie were going to face, and he’s OK with it. “We are going to get it right sometimes and get it wrong sometimes," he said. "We’re in there critiquing people. I may say something one day that everybody’s not going to like. That’s just what you signed up for. At the end of the day, me and Lionel and Katy and Ryan (Seacrest), our hearts are in the right place.”

Do you think this kiss situation was taken way out of context? Sound off in the comments!

Sound off in the comments below!

Join the conversation

Exclusive

'Things Were Explosive!' Dr. Simone & Cecil Reveal ‘Married To Medicine’ Secrets...

Dr simone whitmore husband cecil married to medicine season 6 secrets video pp

Vivica A. Fox Shares Amazing Behind-The-Scenes Secrets From Her Most Famous Films

Vivica a fox most iconic movie roles pp

'BIP's Eric Bigger Reveals Shocking Details Behind Jordan & Jenna Scandal

Bachelor in paradise eric bigger jordan kimball jenna cooper cheating scandal pp

Traci Braxton Talks 40-Pound Weight Loss, New Album & Her Sisters Boycotting 'BFV'

1021005364

DJ Pauly D Confirms?! ‘I Believe’ Vinny & Angelina Hooked Up On ‘Jersey Shore’...

Dj pauly d confirms vinny guadagnino angelina pivarnick hooked up jersey shore family vacation pp

Watch: Coco Austin Slams Surgically Enhanced 'Diaper Booties'

Watch: Traci Reveals 'Sadness' Over New Season Of 'BFV' Amid Drama With Tamar

Coco Austin Explains How Her Own Nudity Will Empower Her Daughter

Did 'Jersey Shore's Angelina Pivarnick Cheat On Her Fiancé With Vinny Guadagnino?...

Jersey shore did angelina pivarnick cheat fiance vinny guadagnino pp

Awkward! Jenni & Angelina Can Barely Look At Each Other During Tense Interview

Jenni farley angelina pivarnick tense jersey shore family vacation interview pp