Current:Home > FinanceAmerican Idol Contestant Defends Katy Perry Against Bullying Accusations-LoTradeCoin
American Idol Contestant Defends Katy Perry Against Bullying Accusations
View Date:2024-12-23 20:50:32
An American Idol contestant has come to Katy Perry's defense in wake of accusations of bullying from viewers and amid uncertainty over her future on the show.
Oliver Steele, who made it to the top eight on the most recent 21st season, detailed on Instagram his feelings about the pop star, who has served as judge on the singing competition series for the last six seasons.
"I've seen a lot of rumors going around the internet about Katy Perry possibly leaving Idol and I don't necessarily know what's true and what's not. Here is what I know about @katyperry," he wrote in his May 26 post, alongside two photos of himself with the singer. "Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people."
Katy sparked controversy when an American Idol contestant reflected on feeling that the Grammy winner was "mom shaming" her during her audition. In the March episode, before performing "You Know I'm No Good" by Amy Winehouse and "Benny and the Jets" by Elton John, Sara Beth Liebe told the "Roar" singer and fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan that she was 25 years old and has three children.
Katy subsequently looked shocked and pretended to act woozy, prompting Sara exclaim excitedly, "If Katy lays on the table, I think I'm going to pass out." Katy then responded, "Honey, you've been laying on the table too much."
After seeing the episode, Sara, who quit American Idol during Hollywood Week, reacted to the awkward exchange. "It was embarrassing to have that on TV," she said in a TikTok at the time. "It was hurtful. I think that women supporting and uplifting other women is so cool and I think that mom shaming is super lame. I think that it's hard enough to be a mom and it's hard enough to be a woman."
Katy has not responded to Sara Beth's video.
In addition to commenting on the alleged bullying, Oliver also noted the support he received from Katy during his time on American Idol.
"I remember being nervous at my audition, nervous during Hollywood week, hell even nervous throughout various points in the competition," he wrote. "Katy has an incredible ability to not just tell what emotional state you're in, but to be able to tell what's holding you back. I love all the judges, but Katy always seemed to be able to look into my soul and tell exactly what was troubling me, or what it was I was struggling with."
Oliver said that the singer reminded him to believe in who he us as an artist and encouraged him to challenge himself. He added, "I'm a better musician and artist after Katy Perry pushed me to believe in my potential, and to exceed my limitations."
He further encouraged Katy, who after the season 21 finale suggested she may not be returning for more, to remain on the show.
In his Instagram post, Oliver urged Katy to remain on the show. "@katyperry I dunno if you'll see this, but I hope you stay on American Idol," he wrote. "You're a guiding light, an incredible teacher. And you made me believe that I am my own hero. Thank you for everything."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (7)
Related
- Zendaya Shares When She Feels Extra Safe With Boyfriend Tom Holland
- Video shows bear hitting security guard in Aspen resort's kitchen before capture
- Golden Bachelor’s Ellen Goltzer Shares Whether She Has Regrets With Gerry Turner
- Jay-Z Reveals the Name He and Beyoncé Almost Gave Blue Ivy Before a Last Minute Change
- Police capture Tennessee murder suspect accused of faking his own death on scenic highway
- Canadian fishing boat rescues American fisherman from missing vessel based in Washington state
- Q&A: This scientist developed a soap that could help fight skin cancer. He's 14.
- Israel resists U.N.'s calls for ceasefire as Hamas says Gaza death toll is soaring
- Man killed by police in Minnesota was being sought in death of his pregnant wife
- A shooting between migrants near the Serbia-Hungary border leaves 3 dead and 1 wounded, report says
Ranking
- Video shows Starlink satellite that resembled fireball breaking up over the Southwest: Watch
- Biden will face a primary bid from Rep. Dean Phillips, who says Democrats need to focus on future
- 2 white boaters plead guilty to misdemeanors in Alabama riverfront brawl
- 176,000 Honda Civic vehicles recalled for power steering issue
- Food prices worried most voters, but Trump’s plans likely won’t lower their grocery bills
- 2 white boaters plead guilty to misdemeanors in Alabama riverfront brawl
- When a man began shooting in Maine, some froze while others ran. Now they’re left with questions
- Horoscopes Today, October 26, 2023
Recommendation
-
'Bizarre:' Naked man arrested after found in crawl space of California woman's home
-
Pope orders Vatican to reopen case of priest ousted from Jesuits after claims of adult abuse
-
Patrick Mahomes Wants Him and Travis Kelce to One Up Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes' Handshake
-
A Pennsylvania coroner wants an officer charged in a driver’s shooting death. A prosecutor disagrees
-
Sister Wives’ Christine Brown Shares Glimpse Into Honeymoon One Year After Marrying David Woolley
-
Massachusetts man's house cleaner finds his $1 million missing lottery ticket
-
Genetic testing company 23andMe denies data hack, disables DNA Relatives feature
-
House Speaker Mike Johnson once referred to abortion as a holocaust