Katy Perry’s recent behavior on American Idol has caused quite a stir among viewers. Known for wearing her emotions on her sleeve, the singer and judge made a crude joke towards a contestant, Sara Beth Liebe, during the auditions of Season 21. In particular, Perry commented on the 25-year-old’s motherhood status, which many have deemed “mom-shaming.”
Since the incident, Sara Beth Liebe has come forward to respond to the backlash against Perry’s comment. Many fans had been wondering how she felt about the situation, and Liebe has provided some insight into her thoughts. Her response sheds light on the experience of being judged on national television and the emotional toll it can take on contestants.
Therefore, she shared a TikTok video addressing the situation. She shared the whole story as follows: “At the start of my audition before I sang, I mentioned that I had three children and was a young mother, and Katy Perry made a joke that wasn’t super kind,” using air quotations around the word “joke.”
She shared that she didn’t “have too much to say on my feelings about it because I feel like it’s probably pretty self-explanatory. I mean, it was embarrassing to have that on TV. And it was hurtful and, you know, that’s that. But I did want to take this opportunity to just say that I think that women supporting and uplifting other women is so cool, and I think that mom-shaming is super lame.”
She further added comments regarding motherhood, saying that it’s “hard enough to be a mom and it’s hard enough to be a woman.” She also thanked the mothers who stood up for her since Perry’s remarks were broadcast. “I just wanted to say that I see you and I hear you and I am grateful for you and you’re worthy, and keep loving your babies.”
@sarabethliebeWell. I didnt think id be making this video, but i just wanted to say a couple things since im being flooded with articles and comments/messages about this.♬ original sound – Sara Beth
During Sara Beth Liebe’s audition, the judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan commented on how young she looked. They passed the comments before she could begin with her performance of the song “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse. Katy Perry and Luke Bryan thought she appeared to be 16. Liebe brushed off the remarks and revealed that she had three kids in fact. Perry abruptly stood up from her seat, giving off an appalled expression, and rushed up to Bryan. Liebe grinned and said, “I think I’m going to pass out if Katy lays on the table.” Soon after, Bryan laughed as Perry responded, “Honey, you’ve been laying on the table too much.” Despite the hurtful comment from Perry, Liebe kept her composure and smiled throughout the audition.
To further add, Katy Perry allowed Sara Beth Liebe to try another song after covering an Amy Winehouse hit, but warned her that she needed to show more passion if she wanted to succeed in singing. While Luke Bryant appreciated her energy, Lionel Richie wasn’t convinced. Ultimately, Perry gave a lackluster yes to Hollywood, but cautioned that without a true passion for singing, Sara Beth might not go far.
Do you want to be informed about any future on-screen reunion between Katy Perry and Sara Beth Liebe? If so, let us know!
During an appearance on Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP podcast earlier this year, Perry shared her thoughts on relationships and parenting. She explained that if both parents aren’t committed, it can lead to resentment, but she didn’t have that issue with her partner, Orlando Bloom.
The incident on American Idol highlights the importance of constructive criticism and the impact that negative comments can have on individuals. Liebe’s TikTok video has sparked a conversation about mental health and the responsibility that judges have when providing feedback to contestants.
For those interested in watching American Idol, it’s possible to stream the show on Hulu if you reside outside the US. The final auditions will be aired at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 26 on ABC, and later on Hulu.
