Fans Slam Katy Perry For “Mom-Shaming” an ‘American Idol’ Contestant: “So Ugly”

American Idol fans are not happy with Katy Perry after accusing the judge of “mom-shaming” a contestant on the hit singing competition show. The moment came during one woman’s audition on Sunday night’s (March 5) episode.

Sara Beth Liebe, a 25-year-old mom-of-three from California, revealed to Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan that her musical experience pretty much stops at “karaoke with friends” and “church choir,” prompting the “Roar” singer to make a seemingly snarky remark.

“Is this your dream? Is it now? If it’s not your dream then you might need to leave because there’s a lot of dreams behind you,” Perry told the singer.

Liebe, who said she was “still processing” the fact that she was performing in front of the judges, began her audition by singing “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse, but an unimpressed Perry said, “Come on, we need more. That’s not enough. Try ‘Benny and the Jets.'”

When Bryan asked, “What do you have to lose?” Perry remarked, “Nothing. It’s not her dream yet.”

She added, “Show us what your voice can do. Take it to the limit. No looking back. Sing it like it’s your new dream.”

As Liebe finished her powerful cover of the hit Elton John song, Perry referred to her as an “accidental American Idol” and said she felt like “a comic strip character just came to life.” She continued, “Look, if it’s not your dream, it’s not gonna go far because I also respect everyone that’s walking through that door who will lay down their life for this golden ticket.” 

While Perry and Bryan ultimately gave her a “yes,” fans of the show were quick to slam Perry for the way she spoke to Liebe.

“Pissssssed at how rude @katyperry was to Sara Beth on #AmericanIdol,” one wrote.

Another added, “Boo to Katy Perry for mom shaming Sara Beth. Insinuating that she has been ‘laying on the table too much’ to have 3 kids by age 25. A young mother following a dream while raising her children should be raised up not put down.”

“I really do not like how Katy Perry just treated Sara Beth on #AmericanIdol,” a third person said. “I don’t watch this show at all and my tv was already on the channel but what I witnessed was not right. They let Katy Perry bully this woman on live national tv before she even started singing. So ugly.”

Others, however, thought it could have been much worse.

“Didn’t Simon Cowell do this for years?” one asked, while someone else noted, “Holy crap. Simon used to make folks cry. Sawft.”

American Idol airs on Sunday nights at 8/7c on ABC. Check out the full clip above.