Katy Perry accused of bullying American Idol contestant on live TV

American Idol viewers have been left divided over judge Katy Perry's treatment of a contestant on the show.

On 5 March, 2023, mum-of-three Sara Beth Liebe took to the audition rooms of American Idol to sing a rendition of Amy Winehouse's 'You Know I'm No Good'.

However, the 25-year-old was asked to sing another song by Katy Perry and given some tips by the 'Firework' performer.

Not all viewers of the talent show agreed with Perry's tough love feedback to the mum-of-three and have taken to social media in debate.

As soon as Liebe finished her performance of 'You Know I'm No Good', nervously exhaling after her last note, Perry was quick to jump in, telling the 25-year-old: "That's not enough."

With nods of approval from the show's other judges, Perry suggested: "Try 'Bennie and the Jets'. Try it."

Perry continued by noting Liebe's performance so far makes it seem like it's 'not her dream yet' to be a singer.

Perry said: "Show us what your voice can do. Take it to the limit. No looking back. Sing it like it's your new dream."

ABC

After performing 'Bennie and the Jets' Liebe noted: "I feel like I'm about to pass out."

"Accidental American Idol," Perry responded, comparing the mum-of-three to a 'comic strip character just came to life'.

In her final comments to the singer, Perry said: "Look, if it's not your dream, it's not going to go far.

"I also respect everyone who's walking through that door who will lay down their life for this golden ticket."

ABC

Luke Bryan voted yes, Lionel Richie voted no after warning Liebe to 'take it seriously' and Perry ultimately voted 'yes' to, resulting in the mum-of-three being sent to Hollywood.

Perry resolved: "Sara Beth you're in the dream now. Go get your golden ticket."

Despite Perry's ultimate vote of confidence in the 25-year-old, some viewers didn't agree with Perry's comments to the auditionee.

Taking to Twitter one viewer wrote: "I really do not like how Katy Perry just treated Sara Beth on #AmericanIdol I don’t watch this show at all and my tv was already on the channel but what I witnessed was not right. They let Katy Perry bully this woman on live national tv before she even started singing. So ugly."

ABC

Another said: "Boo to Katy Perry for mom shaming Sara Beth. Insinuating that she has been “laying on the table too much” to have 3 kids by age 25. A young mother following a dream while raising her children should be raised up not put down. #AmericanIdol."

A final wrote: "@katyperry tonight on American idol you kinda [angry face emoji] me off . Stay at home moms never have time to think of there dreams bc there making everyone else's come true!"

However, other viewers argued Perry was 'right on this one'.

Another adding: "Being honest is now bullying."

A third resolved: "Katy Perry judging a contestant and a show that judges contestants? Shocking. Ever heard of @SimonCowell?"

UNILAD has contacted Katy Perry for comment.

Topics: Film and TV, Katy Perry, Music, Twitter, American Idol

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.