‘American Idol’ Shocker: Sara Beth Quits, Katy Perry Reacts

Sara Beth Liebe quit after calling Katy Perry a bully. This came as a shock to most American Idol fans. Others aren’t as surprised after witnessing Katy’s behavior this season. Fans called her out for the way she’s treated the contestants this season. Some fans think Katy is harsh on female singers. Keep on reading to learn more.

What does Katy Perry think of the criticism?

Last week, Katy Perry made an appearance on The View with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. As TV Shows Ace previously reported, she broke her silence on the way she treats the contestants. It all started when co-host Joy Behar asked the “Teenage Dream” singer if she yells at any of them this season.

Shockingly, Lionel confirms that she does. Katy interrupted him to say that she feels passionate about the contestants who try out for the show. The pop star referred to them as “underdogs” and said she will “stick up” for them. However, Idol fans have been seeing it differently this season.

Some claim that Katy has been “shaming” the contestants, while others liken it to “bullying.” She never outwardly spoke about those claims. However, Katy claims it’s nothing personal. She just feels the need to call out those who don’t respect the music industry.

“You know, I stick up for those underdogs and I don’t — all of us — we have so much respect for music and the game and the whole thing,” Katy Perry explained. “And so, when someone is not taking it respectfully, we call it out.”

She was previously criticized for the way she treated Sara Beth Liebe in her audition. Even Sara hinted in a now-deleted TikTok video that she was “embarrassed” by how it went down. Fans claimed that Katy was too harsh on Sara. Others defended the “Witness” singer and claimed that Sara wasn’t ready for Hollywood.

Sara Beth Liebe quits American Idol

In a shocking turn of events, Sara Beth Liebe quit the show. On Sunday’s episode of American Idol, the contestant let Katy Perry’s criticism and the pressure of the show get to her. The judges called her backstage for a group chat. The 25-year-old mother of three wasn’t sure if a singing career was her “dream.”

Sara carried on with the competition. She performed her rendition of “Roxanne” by The Police. The California native had a change of heart. Sara quit right after her performance. She admitted that her babies at home needed her.

Sara walked off the stage. Lionel was confused by what just happened. Luke called it a “mistake.” Katy Perry wanted to find out why Sara really quit. She wanted to “figure it out” because she could still see Sara’s “fighting spirit.”

Katy Perry reacts

The “Dark Horse” singer met up with Sara backstage. She had a heart-to-heart with her. Katy Perry gave her some words of wisdom. Luke and Lionel also met up with her.

“I know life is scary,” Katy Pery said. “I also know that it’s also easier to walk away than to be rejected. But then, I also know that you lose out on your fullest potential. And I know that you love your family … I know that as a mother, but remember: Self-love is just as big as motherly love. Don’t leave the competition.”

Sara only said “thank you” and walked away. She told producers that she didn’t think she was going to win, but she decided to stay. Katy Perry advised Sarah to not “give up” on her dreams. What do you think of Sara nearly quitting American Idol? Sound off below in the comment section.

Check back with TV Shows Ace for more news on Katy Perry.