Former “American Idol” contestant Benjamin Glaze, known for receiving an unexpected kiss from Katy Perry during his 2018 audition, has been arrested for alleged possession of child sexual abuse material in Oklahoma.
According to the Tulsa Police Department, Glaze was found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material in April 2024 after a tip was received about his alleged criminal activity. The Tulsa Police Sexual Predator/Digital Evidence Recovery Unit obtained a search warrant for Glaze’s residence and discovered over 700 images and videos on his smartphone.
An arrest warrant was issued for Glaze for Aggravated Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, and he was located and arrested on the afternoon of October 18, 2024. Glaze was booked into the Tulsa County Jail for his warrant.
In his 2018 audition on “American Idol,” Glaze mentioned his job as a cashier allowed him to meet “cute girls,” prompting Perry to surprise him with a kiss on the cheek. Glaze later expressed discomfort with the kiss, stating he wanted his first kiss to be special.
Fellow judge Luke Bryan defended Perry, saying she was simply “working hard” to make “fun TV.” Perry recently wrapped her last season on “Idol.”
The Tulsa Police Department has not responded to requests for comment. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
