Featured Image Credit: ABC
Topics: Film and TV, American Idol
Jess Hardiman
The 25-year-old mom who was ‘bullied’ by Katy Perry on American Idol decided to quit the show while on stage, much to the surprise of the panel of judges.
Find out why she decided to leave here:
When Sara Beth Liebe first appeared in front of the judges to perform ‘You Know I’m No Good’ by Amy Winehouse, many viewers criticised the comments Perry had made during the audition – which included one comment relating to Liebe being a young mother.
After being told she ‘looked 16’, Liebe mentioned she had three kids, at which point Perry stood up and said: "Honey, you been laying on the table too much."
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Liebe later shared a TikTok video in which she described the incident as 'hurtful' and ‘embarassing’, saying: "There was a 'joke' that was made that's gotten some attention.”
She went on: "At the start of my audition, before I sang, I mentioned that I had three children and was a young mother, and Katy Perry made a joke that wasn't super kind."
Now the mom-of-three has decided to call it a day – though not for the reason you might assume.
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In last night’s episode of the singing contest, she sang ‘Roxanne’ by The Police before suddenly quitting, telling the judges after finishing the song: "This opportunity is really rad, but this is actually going to be my last performance because my heart’s at home, so I’m going to get home to my babies. Thank you!”
Liebe then ran off stage, leaving the judges in shock, with Lionel Richie asking: "What just happened? She’s gonna leave?"
Speaking to the camera afterwards, Liebe continued: “Um, I’m going home. It went a lot better than I thought it would, but I’m gonna head home to get home to my babies.”
Luke Bryan said it was a ‘mistake’, while Perry vowed to get to the bottom of the issue.
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"No, we’re gonna figure this out," she said, calling her back.
"The thing I see in her is her fighting spirit.”
Liebe then returned to the stage for Perry to beg her not to leave.
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"I know life is scary," the 'Firework’ singer told her.
"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. 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."
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Liebe thanked Perry for her comments, but walked off again, telling a member of the production team: "I feel like I’m not gonna win the show anyway, so I might as well just go home.”
She later returned to the stage with her fellow contestants, where judges put her through to the next round.
HOWEVER, that wasn’t the end, as Liebe remained torn.
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“You’ve opened a door you never thought you would open, and you got a yes,” Perry said.
“And you may get another yes in the future. Do not give up.”
Liebe replied: “I appreciate you.”
Speaking backstage, she then said: “I’m really humbled, I’m really grateful, and Katy had some really nice things to say.
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“I understand how big of an opportunity this is. I still kind of want to go home.
“I’m sure that when I get home, I’ll regret it.
"I probably will do, ‘Damn, Sarah, you should have stayed and you should have done it.”
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We then saw Liebe walking out of the door once and for all, as Perry said: “Man, that sucks. It’s not easy for anyone. Everyone has their own story.”