INSIDE EDITION EXCLUSIVE: 

AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT KISSED BY KATY PERRY INTRODUCES HIS FIRST REAL GIRLFRIEND:

“KATY PERRY WAS MY FIRST KISS, BUT CARRIE WAS MY FIRST KISS IN A REAL WAY.”

PLEASE MENTION AIRDATE: Thursday, March 15^th

Check local listings at www.insideedition.com

VIDEO LINK (MUST CREDIT INSIDE EDITION AND LINK BACK):

http://ietv.co/2peHMhz

New York, NY — March 15, 2018 – In an exclusive airing on Thursday, INSIDE EDITION’s Jim Moret speaks with 20-year-old Benjamin Glaze, the American Idol contestant who received his first kiss on national television when show judge Katy Perry surprised him by kissing him on the lips before his audition.

After the American Idol premiere, broadcast on Sunday, Benjamin described the kiss as “uncomfortable” and told The New York Times that he would not have permitted the kiss had he the opportunity to decline.   

But today, Benjamin comes to Katy Perry’s defense, telling INSIDE EDITION. “It wasn’t that I was creeped out or feeling like I’d been taken advantage of. It was just unexpected,” he says. “I just wanted it not to be a complete stranger. Obviously Katy Perry isn’t a stranger. I just wanted my first kiss to be someone I knew personally.”

Benjamin reveals that since the American Idol tryout, which was shot in October, he started dating his girlfriend, Carrie.

Carrie tells INSIDE EDITION that she approves of Benjamin’s first kiss from Katy Perry. “He kissed a celebrity. How great for him!”

Benjamin adds, “Katy Perry was my first kiss, but Carrie was my first kiss in a real way, and it was just as special as I wanted it to be.” 

For INSIDE EDITION’s full report, tune in on Thursday, March 15th. For stations and times in your area, check local listings at www.insideedition.com.

INSIDE EDITION is produced daily by Inside Edition Inc. and distributed by CBS Television Distribution.

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