Katy Perry arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Office Christmas Party' at Regency Village Theatre on December 7, 2016© Getty

Katy Perry fans come to her defense as American Idol contestant she 'shamed' quits following controversy

Sara Beth Lee quit the show in order to go back home to her three kids

Beatriz Colon - New York
New York WriterNew York
April 4, 2023

Katy Perry has tried to make amends with the American Idol contestant who claims the singer "mom-shamed" her, but she is leaving the singing competition show nonetheless.

Now former contestant Sara Beth Liebe, 25, left the 21st season of the show on its latest installment, opting to go back home to her three children.

The California-native first got attention for her time on the show after she called out the "Firework" singer on TikTok for what she felt was a mom-shaming comment from her, which you can see in the video below.

WATCH: Katy Perry accused of "mom-shaming" American Idol contestant

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Initially, there were mixed reactions to the contentious moment, with many fans coming to Katy's defense, writing on social media: "She didn't shame her. She made a joke," and: "She DID NOT shame her!!" as well as: "I didn't hear anything offensive."

During the latest AI episode, the former contestant came to the conclusion that she wasn't cut out for the competition and went home, though not before Katy tried to convince her not to.

MORE: Katy Perry looks unrecognizable in new fresh-faced photo that sparks reaction

Though she went through with her rendition of The Police's 1978 hit "Roxanne" for the judges – which also include Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie – she announced she was leaving when she finished her performance.

© Getty

The American Idol judges couldn't believe Sara Beth's real age

She told them: "This opportunity is really rad but this is actually gonna be my last performance 'cause my heart's at home," continuing: "So I'm gonna get home to my babies, they kind of need me. So thank you, thanks."

MORE: Katy Perry left extremely emotional during raw American Idol moment

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Katy then told her: "Sara Beth, I know life is scary," adding: "I also know that it's easier to walk away than to be rejected. But then I also know that you lose out on your fullest potential."

She further said: "I know that you love your family for your kids. I know that as a mother. But remember, self-love is just as big as motherly love. Don't leave the competition," though the mom-of-three maintained she wasn't "cut out for show business."

© Getty

American Idol airs Sundays on ABC

The controversial dynamic between the two first began during her audition, when the judges expressed their shock over Sara Beth not being a teenager, claiming that she looked much younger than 25.

After she stated her age and that in fact she has three kids, Katy first pretended to faint, prompting Sara Beth to say: "If Katy lays on the table I might pass out." The American Idol judge then sparked controversy when she quickly fired back with: "Honey you've been laying on the table too much!"

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