During the first episode of Hollywood Week on American Idol, a contestant, Sara Beth Liebe, made a surprising announcement that left viewers and judges stunned. The contestant revealed that she was quitting the reality show while performing The Police’s hit song “Roxanne,” a song she had been coached on by Clay Aiken to increase her on-stage confidence.
“This opportunity is really rad, but this is actually going to be my last performance ’cause my heart’s at home,” the contestant said after her performance. “So I’m gonna get home to my babies. They kinda need me.”
Sara Beth gives her reasons for quitting the show
At the beginning of the show, she spoke about having kids, which led to her being subtly ridiculed by Katy Perry, one of the judges. “There was a joke that was made that’s gotten some attention, and I’ve gotten a lot of people reaching out to me asking how I’m feeling,” Sara Beth said. “At the start of my audition, before I sang, I mentioned that I have three children and was a young mother, and Katy Perry made a joke that wasn’t super kind.”
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Sara Beth further stated that she felt bad about the comment from the judge. “It was embarrassing to have that on TV, and it was hurtful, and that’s that,” she added. “But I did want to take this opportunity to just say that I think that women supporting and uplifting other women is so cool, and I think that mom shaming is super lame, and I think that it’s hard enough to be a mom, and it’s hard enough to be a woman.”
Sara Beth Liebe confirmed she was leaving the show
Sara Beth took to Instagram to confirm her departure from the show and disclosed that she had been approached to audition through a scouting process. “They reached out to me,” she explained. “And I’m so GRATEFUL. I’ve never had this much support with singing. And it’s mindblowing and so humbling and has made me realize how badly I want to do music. 6 months ago, I didn’t know that yet.”
The contestant also further revealed that coming up on the show was a very unique opportunity for her. “But I’m also allowed to make hard choices that are best for me,” Sara Beth added. “I took a chance on something big and said yes to a huge and VERY UNEXPECTED opportunity that was presented to me, and while it may not have been for me – in the process found myself again, met the most talented people I’ve ever had the HONOR of meeting (many of which are now close friends) and… fell in love with music again.”
American Idol judges tried to convince Sarah Beth Liebe not to leave the show
After Sarah Liebe announced her decision to leave the competition, Perry and the other judges tried to plead with her and even offered an invitation for her to continue to the next round. “I know life is scary,” Perry told the contestant. “I also know that it’s easier to walk away than to be rejected. But self-love is just as big as motherly love. Don’t leave the competition. You’ve opened a door you thought you’d never open, and you got a yes. And you may get another yes in the future. Do not give up.”
However, despite the appeal, Sara Beth remained resolute in her decision to quit the show. The contestant stated that she was leaving to focus on her children. “I’m really humbled and grateful, and Katy had some really nice things to say. It would be nice if my kids were a little older. I understand how big of an opportunity this is,” Sara told Yahoo!. “But I still kind of want to get home. I am sure when I get home, I will regret it and be like, ‘Man, you should have stayed.’”