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'American Idol' contestant on surprise Katy Perry smooch: I wasn't harassed

After some backlash aimed at Perry for making a nonconsensual move, Glaze took to Instagram to explain the events from his perspective.

(USA Today) American Idol contestant Benjamin Glaze not only auditioned for a singing competition on national television, but that's also where he had his first kiss.

The 19-year-old did not see the "uncomfortable" smooch coming.

It happened on ABC's Idol premiere, when new judge Katy Perry surprise-kissed a nervous Glaze on the lips, when he thought he'd just be kissing her cheek. Glaze immediately fell to the ground. Perry and the other judges cheered. But Glaze was clearly shaken, needing some water before going on to sing Nick Jonas' Levels in a performance that Perry called "a bit rushed." It was a no from the judges.

After some backlash aimed at Perry for making a nonconsensual move, Glaze took to Instagram Wednesday to say that, no, "I do not think i was sexually harassed by Katy Perry (and) I was uncomfortable in a sense of how i have never been kissed before and was not expecting it."

Glaze wrote: "I am not complaining about the kiss from Katy Perry at all, doing a few news reports and being interviewed by many different reporters have caused some major questions."

He said he was "honored and thankful" to be a part of the show, and that he'd take the judges' advice (including "Kiss more girls," from Perry) to heart.

The contestant has regrets, though. "I do wish i would have performed better in the moment. I should have picked another song to sing and calmed myself down regardless of the kiss i should have been able to perform under pressure," he said.

Read Glaze's complete Instagram here.

Hi everyone, I would like to clear a few things up for anyone who is confused, concerned, or angry. I am not complaining about the kiss from Katy Perry at all, doing a few news reports and being interviewed by many different reporters has caused some major questions. The way certain articles are worded is not done by me, and my true intentions are not accurately represented in every article you read about the situation. I am not complaining about the kiss, I am very honored and thankful to have been apart of American Idol. The main purpose for the show is to find stars and new music artist. I do wish I would have performed better in the moment. I should have picked another song to sing and calmed myself down regardless of the kiss. I should have been able to perform under pressure. I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry and I am thankful for the judges comments and critiques. I was uncomfortable in a sense of how I have never been kissed before and was not expecting it. My main goal is to reach people through the universal love of music and not cause strife or anger against anyone or about any situation! Please take into consideration that I don’t believe my views have been appropriately communicated through the media! Thank you to everyone who has followed me in this journey and I hope I answered a few questions. . . . . . #americanidol #katyperry #music

ApostsharedbyBenIssacGlaze(@benjaminglaze)onMar14,2018at2:32pmPDT

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