Katy Perry tells American Idol’s Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon: ‘I love you’
Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon had an emotional reaction to the kind words from Katy Perry. (American Idol/youtube)
American Idol judge Katy Perry has comforted a gay contestant who revealed his parents don’t approve of his sexuality.
Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon broke down in tears after singing “Landslide” during Sunday’s (March 31) American Idol Top 40 Showcase round, but Perry told him: “I see you, and I love you, and I accept you.”
Watch Katy Perry comfort Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon after his American Idol performance:
“And I’m so proud of you,” said Perry.
American Idol judge Katy Perry had kind words for Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon
Speaking to the contestant alongside fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Perry said: “You’re a pastor’s kid, I’m a pastor’s kid. We have a lot in common.
“I don’t know about you, but for me, I always felt like I was always being watched—was I going to make a mistake? And then I started to find my true voice.
“Can you imagine when my first single was ‘I Kissed a Girl’ and my parents, how they reacted?”
“I see you, and I love you, and I accept you. And I’m so proud of you.”
— Katy Perry
“It was difficult for me because I felt very alone in what is supposed to be a really exciting time in my life. It’s taken some time, but we’ve all come around to agree to disagree,” Perry continued.
“I just want to say from one pastor’s kid to another that I see you, and I love you, and I accept you. And I’m so proud of you.”
The “Roar” singer then revealed that Harmon had made it through to the next round, telling him: “I’m just excited that you’re going to continue the journey with us to the Top 20.” They then embraced.
Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon tearfully talks about his parents
The 26-year-old American Idol frontrunner told viewers after his performance: “I was gonna dedicate that song to my mum and dad.
“They were really on my mind when I sang that. I just want them to know that I love them, and I tried to communicate that.”
He explained: “My parents still have not been able to accept me being gay.
Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon wowed viewers with his rendition of “Landslide.” (American Idol/youtube)
“I’m no longer working as a janitor at my dad’s church. I decided to move out and that was a difficult choice to make. I felt like it was the healthiest thing for me to do.
“Being a part of this show has been good for me in one way, but it has also been a big challenge for me.”
Harmon explained that he wanted to be an example for everyone like him, saying: “I’ve just got to keep telling myself that I can do this.
“I’m doing this for me, I’m doing this for everyone who has been outcast by their loved ones.
“I know that this isn’t just my experience, and if I can be open about it and vulnerable, maybe that could bring hope to somebody else.”
