SA teen gives Katy Perry an Afrikaans lesson after getting a golden ticket on ‘American Idol’

Stefan Benz. Picture: Instagram

Stefan Benz. Picture: Instagram

Published Mar 3, 2023

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South African singer Stefan Benz made history when he got Katy Perry to speak Afrikaans on “American Idols”.

A video of Benz’s audition went viral this week when the Johannesburg performer bagged a Golden Ticket from judges Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

In an Instagram post, Benz said: “Never thought I’d be teaching @katyperry and @lukebryan Afrikaans. 🇿🇦 Crazy!! can’t wait to show em what I can do🌷 #SteFANS stand up 🎫🧍‍♀️🧍🏼@americanidol.”

The video, which went viral, shows Benz singing a line from Brian McKnight’s “One Last Cry”.

Bryan asked Benz: “How do you say you’re going to Hollywood in Afrikaans?”

To which, Benz boldly replied: “Jy gaan Hollywood toe.”

Perry then repeated the line and struck gold with followers when she even had the perfect accent to accompany the Afrikaans attempt.

The 16-year-old told judges that he had moved to Los Angeles to further his music career.

Benz told another publication that auditioning for “American Idol” and then getting a golden ticket and advancing to Hollywood Week felt like a big step in the right direction.

Proud South Africans rallied behind Benz and cheered him on in the comments section.

sivngesi wrote: “Love this for you! Proud of you!”

teesteyn wrote: “Katy got the ‘g’ of ‘gaan’ right. Didnt expect that.”

juneshirfish wrote: “OUR BOYTJIE GAAN HOLLYWOOD TOE!!! Congratulations! Hugs from Cape Town, South Africa!”

antshots wrote: “🔥🔥🔥🔥well done ... All your hard work is really showing how great people are from sa boi ... Well done bud !!! Make us all proud buddy.”

nash_dez_88 wrote: “Man I am a True Believer I cannot wait for more to come I swear you got one amazing voice it’s so raw and talented. Man I’ll be rooting for you all the way #SteFANS let’s freaking go.”