A former contestant from “American Idol” who made headlines for kissing Katy Perry has been sentenced to a significant prison term for possessing child pornography.
Benjamin Glaze, who was just 19 when he shared that on-screen kiss with the pop star judge back in 2018, has been handed a 25-year sentence. He admitted to having an addiction to child pornography, which will keep him incarcerated for at least 15 years, while the remaining 10 years are suspended.
To be released after 15 years, he’ll face a strict set of conditions, including undergoing a penylplethysmograph test, according to court documents.
Now 27, Glaze is required to complete an Abel screening, a psychological evaluation assessing how long he’s fixated on images of both children and adults, as reported.
His restrictions extend to prohibiting entry to establishments like strip clubs, sex shops, massage parlors, and adult theaters. He is also barred from watching pornography, calling sex hotlines, or picking up hitchhikers.
The sentence stipulates that he must always wear appropriate clothing. Additionally, Glaze is expected to provide regular blood samples to check for sexually transmitted diseases and must register as a sex offender.
Last year, police were alerted by a mental health counselor who reported Glaze’s confession about his child pornography addiction. They then seized his phone and discovered over 700 materials related to child sexual abuse, leading to his conviction for possession of such content, as confirmed by records.
Glaze had auditioned for “American Idol” in 2018, performing Nick Jonas’ song “Rebel” for judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Perry.
The judges opted not to send him to Hollywood, and he later expressed that had it been his choice, he would have preferred to decline the kiss, hoping for a “special” first kiss instead.
