A former "American Idol" contestant has been arrested after he was found in possession of illicit materials depicting child sex abuse. He rose to fame after he was filmed kissing "Firework" crooner Katy Perry on the premiere episode of the show's 16th season. Perry was serving as one of the judges at the time.
Investigators arrested Benjamin Glaze, 26, on Friday. Authorities for the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) said he had saved in his mobile phone hundreds of child sex abuse materials (CSAM).
In a news release published on the TPD's Facebook page, investigators said they were made aware of Glaze's illegal activities in April. They noted that the department found out about his CSA materials after they received a tip.
It was unclear if the tip was made anonymously.
Police immediately launched a probe. Authorities conducted a six-month investigation before arresting Glaze.
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How Police Investigated Glaze's Activities
Investigators obtained a warrant to search Glaze's home.
During the search, authorities found the 26-year-old's phone. Further investigation uncovered more than 700 CSA materials.
Glaze was booked into the Tulsa County Jail. Authorities have released him from jail on a bond of $50,000.
Going Viral on American Idol
Glaze first made national headlines in 2018. During his audition for the show, he shared that he had never been kissed before.
All three judges---specifically Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie---voted no, which meant he could not advance further in the competition.
Following his elimination, Perry asked the hopeful musician to approach their table. She signaled plans to give the auditionee a quick kiss on the cheek. However, she kissed his lips instead.
He was 19 when he auditioned. The kiss quickly went viral.
In subsequent interviews, the musician said he felt uncomfortable at the moment. Glaze later came out and clarified that he did not feel sexually assaulted by Perry.
"I was a tad bit uncomfortable," he told the New York Times in a phone interview.
"I wanted to save it for my first relationship. I wanted it to be special," he added.
The kiss was aired as part of the contest's two-night season opener on ABC, which premiered in 2018.