Do you remember the American Idol singer that got his first kiss from Katy Perry? You’ll never believe where life has taken him since that viral moment. Where is he now? Find out all the information now!
Benjamin Glaze’s Journey on American Idol
In 2018, Benjamin Glaze walked into his audition as a nervous 19 year old. At the time, he was a cashier at an electronics store, claiming that he loves the job since “there’s cute girls and they’re not going anywhere without saying hi.”
The judges, taken back from the statement, asked if he had ever “kissed a girl and liked it.”
Benjamin then explained that he can’t kiss a girl without being in a relationship with them. Judges then convinced Benjamin to kiss Katy Perry on the cheek. At the last minute, Perry turned her head and planted a kiss on her lips.
Judges then celebrated Benjamin’s first kiss with him. He even asked Perry if the kiss was good for her. Eventually, he actually sang on the show, performing “Levels” by Nick Jonas. He did not make it to the next round of the competition.
Benjamin Glaze Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse Material
In April 2024, the Tulsa Police Sexual Predator/Digital Evidence Recovery Unit began looking into the former American Idol singer. The unit allegedly learned of Benjamin’s child pornography addiction from his mental health counselor.
The police then obtained a search warrant and discovered over 700 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Six months later an arrest warrant was issued for Benjamin for aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material.
The now 27 year old appeared in a court hearing in 2025, where he was sentenced to 25 years after admitting to being addicted to child pornography.
He has a minimum of 15 years behind bars, with 10 other years suspended. For him to get out of jain in 15 years, he must perform a penile plethysmograph test, an abel screening test, and is banned from entering strip clubs, sex shops, massage parlors, or adult theaters. Benjamin can also not look at pornography, call sex hotlines, or pick up hitchhikers.
Lastly, Benjamin must wear appropriate clothing (specifically underwear) and submit regular blood samples to test for sexually transmitted diseases.
Words by:
Corey Cesare Corey Cesare is Talent Recap's Managing Editor and featured YouTube Host. She has a love of all things pop culture and an unhealthy obsession with celebrities. Corey earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Cinema/Screen Studies from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2021. She spends her spare time shooting astro, nature, and portrait photography, and coming up with movie ideas that she hopes to make into a film someday.
