Benjamin Glaze: American Idol alum jailed; Katy Perry kiss resurfaces

Benjamin Glaze has been sentenced to 25 years in Oklahoma. The former American Idol contestant pleaded guilty to aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material. A judge ordered 15 years in prison and 10 years suspended.

Police said they opened an investigation in April 2024 after a report. Detectives later found more than 700 illicit images and videos on a device. Glaze, 26, must also register as a sex offender.

Key details on the Benjamin Glaze case, American Idol past, and Katy Perry link

Officials said Tulsa Police’s specialized digital evidence unit led the case. The unit received a tip in 2024 and secured a warrant. Investigators seized a smartphone and conducted a forensic review.

The review uncovered hundreds of files depicting child sexual abuse. Prosecutors filed aggravated possession charges in 2024. Glaze later entered a guilty plea in 2025.

The court pronounced a 25-year sentence. The structure includes 15 years in custody and 10 years suspended. The suspended term carries strict supervision and treatment conditions.

Glaze first drew public attention in 2018 on American Idol. He told judges he had never kissed a girl. Judge Katy Perry then kissed him during the audition, which triggered debate on consent and boundaries.

The moment resurfaced as coverage of the case spread. Newsrooms outlined the investigation timeline, the file count, and the plea. Officials emphasized community tips and specialized digital forensics.

Law enforcement reiterated that each recovered file represents harm to a child. The sentence reflects Oklahoma statutes for aggravated possession. Registration and long-term oversight are mandatory.

Analysis and broader impact

Digital exploitation cases remain a major focus for police units. Tools now recover deleted data and catalog hidden folders. Courts often combine prison with long suspended terms to manage risk after release.

Public discussion around Glaze follows three threads. The first is the severity of the crime and the evidence volume. The second is the renewed attention to the American Idol kiss with Katy Perry. The third concerns local safety and the role of tips in starting the probe.

Entertainment angles do not change the legal outcome. Coverage has centered on verified filings and official statements. That approach serves readers and survivors by keeping the focus on facts.

Benjamin Glaze will serve 15 years in prison and 10 years suspended. The American Idol and Katy Perry moment remains a footnote beside the conviction. The case shows how digital forensics and community reporting can drive accountability.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Benjamin Glaze from American Idol?

He was a Season 16 contestant who went viral after a surprise kiss from judge Katy Perry. He later faced unrelated charges in Oklahoma.

Q2: What exactly was Benjamin Glaze convicted of?

Aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material. Police said more than 700 illicit files were found on a seized device.

Q3: What sentence did the judge impose?

Twenty-five years total. That includes 15 years in prison and a 10-year suspended term with strict conditions and sex offender registration.

Q4: How did the investigation begin?

Authorities say a report in April 2024 led to a warrant and device seizure. A forensic review uncovered the illicit material.

Q5: Does the Katy Perry kiss affect this case?

No. The kiss is unrelated to the criminal matter. It is part of Glaze’s public profile and reappeared in news coverage after sentencing.