JESara Beth Liebe, a mother of three, has spoken out about her decision to leave American Idol after a hurtful comment made by Katy Perry.
Liebe, who was scouted to audition, explains her emotions surrounding the experience and why she chose to step away from the competition.
The hurtful comment that sparked the decision
During her audition, Liebe performed “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse.
However, it was Katy Perry’s comment that caught the audience’s attention. Perry, after Liebe mentioned she was a young mother of three, said, “Honey, you been laying on the table too much.”
She described the remark as embarrassing and hurtful, adding that it wasn’t the kind of joke one might expect from a judge.
Sara Beth Liebe shares her feelings on TikTok
After the audition, Liebe shared her thoughts in a TikTok video, describing Perry’s comment as “hurtful” and “embarrassing.”
She explained, “There was a ‘joke’ that was made that’s gotten some attention,” and admitted she felt embarrassed, but continued with the show.
However, after her performance of “Roxanne” by The Police, Liebe shocked everyone by announcing she would be leaving the competition.
“I’m going to get home to my babies,” Liebe told the audience, explaining that her heart was at home with her children.
Despite pleas from the judges to stay, Liebe stuck to her decision and left the competition for good, choosing her family over the opportunity.
Sara Beth Liebe reflects on her emotional experience
In another emotional TikTok video, Liebe expressed how overwhelmed she felt by the standing ovations she received.
“I don’t normally share videos like this, but I wanted to share this moment from right after my audition,” she said, explaining she was having a panic attack due to the overwhelming support. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “My heart is grateful,” and acknowledged how big the opportunity was.
Liebe explained that she had been scouted to audition, which she described as an incredible opportunity. “They reached out to me. And I’m so GRATEFUL,” she said, emphasizing that she had never received such support for her singing before.
She admitted that the experience was humbling, and it made her realize how much she wanted to pursue music.
Reflecting on the whole experience, Liebe shared how she wasn’t sure about her music career six months ago but now felt deeply passionate about it. “I’m also allowed to make hard choices that are best for me,” she said.
Despite leaving American Idol, Liebe felt she had rediscovered her love for music and was grateful for the journey.
Social media reaction
Many viewers expressed shock after Sara Beth Liebe opened up about leaving American Idol due to bullying by Katy Perry.
One person said: I watched this episode and I didn’t interpret Katy’s comments as bullying at all.
A second wrote: She wasn’t bullied … why you choose to play victim is unbelievably sad
While a third commented: I saw the episode and did NOT think/feel that Katy Perry “bullied” her. I thought they were positive and supportive.
Another added: I don’t think it was cause of Katy… she went did the whole singing got chosen and now decided to drop out??? Honestly i feel like she took someone’s else’s place when the other person could have gone further and lived their passion.
While Sara Beth Liebe’s time on American Idol was short-lived, it was transformative for her.
She found herself again through the experience. Though the show may not have been for her, she is determined to continue pursuing music.
“Gratitude is the ONLY word that comes to mind,” she wrote. Additionally, she looked forward to supporting her new friends and continuing her musical journey.