'American Idol' Contestant Reduced To Tears As He Confesses Parents Haven't Accepted That He's Gay

Apr 08, 2019 by apost team

We all remember the early days of "American Idol" when people from all walks of life auditioned for the hit show.

Many contestants weren't just focused on the limelight. They wanted to make something of themselves and truly accomplish something, often fueled by extremely personal reasons.

Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon is a current contestant on the show, which is in its 16th season.

The Catonsville, Maryland native was a church janitor before he got his ticket to Hollywood after a powerful audition. Recently, the 26-year-old gave his third performance, and it was his most personal yet.

Jeremiah revealed that he has been dealing with a lot of family issues lately since his parents refuse to accept his sexuality. Their rejection of their gay son is ultimately what caused him to quit his job and leave their house. "American Idol" was more than just a show for him. It was a chance to turn his life around and embrace who he really is.

"I’m just being very public about my story and it’s causing a lot of change in my life right now," Jeremiah revealed before his performance.

His song selection was inspired after a "tough conversation" with his father, a pastor.

"I'm doing it for everyone who's been outcast by their loved ones,"

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Celebrity judge Katy Perry offered her sympathies, expressing her own challenges in finding her voice as an artist after being raised in a conservative religious household.

"Can you imagine when my first single was “I Kissed a Girl” and my parents, how they reacted? It was difficult for me because I felt very alone in what is supposed to be a very exciting time in my life."

Although Jeremiah may be pursuing his dream on his own, Katy Perry offered some consolation. "I see you and I love you and I accept you and I’m so proud of you.”

Now, Jeremiah has a boyfriend, John, and the two are inseparable. John was in the audience the night of Jeremiah's touching performance.

He wowed the judges and viewers with his rendition of Roberta Flack‘s “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face," and we're proud to announce that he's made it to the show's Top 20 contestants.

Have you experienced being outcast by your family like Jeremiah? Let us know in the comments - and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!