“American Idol” finalist Oliver Steele is coming to Katy Perry’s defense after critics called her a ”bully” for comments she made toward contestants on Season 21 of the show.
“Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people,” he wrote via Instagram Saturday, alongside two pictures of himself with the “Roar” singer.
“I remember being nervous at my audition, nervous during Hollywood week, hell even nervous throughout various points in the competition,” Steele, 25, continued.
“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.”
While Steele says he loves “all the judges,” he believes Perry, 38, was “able to look into my soul and tell exactly what was troubling me” or what he was struggling with.
“It’s one thing to teach someone to believe in their ability, which the judges are fabulous at. Katy reminded me to believe in who I am as an artist. She challenged me to push myself, to take on challenges that made me uncomfortable,” he added.
“I’m a better musician and artist after Katy Perry pushed me to believe in my potential, and to exceed my limitations.”
Steele also addressed rumors that the “Hot N Cold” singer was planning to leave “American Idol” due to all the backlash.
Though he said he doesn’t “necessarily know what’s true and what’s not,” he hopes Perry stays on the hit ABC competition series.
“You’re a guiding light, an incredible teacher. And you made me believe that I am my own hero. Thank you for everything. ❤️,” Steele concluded.
The contestant’s post comes a week after reports surfaced that Perry wanted to quit her gig as a judge on “American Idol” because she felt she was misrepresented by the show.
According to the Daily Mail, the pop star believes she has been repeatedly “thrown under the bus by producers” who she feels have edited the show to make her appear to be the “nasty judge.”
Throughout Season 21 of the series, Perry — who has been a judge on the show for six seasons — has been criticized for comments she made toward several contestants.
She was accused of “mom-shaming” Sara Beth Liebe after joking that the 25-year-old mother of three had been “laying on the table too much.”
And in April, Perry was booed by the audience when she bashed contestant Nutsa Buzaladze’s outfit choice.
“Nutsa, every time you take the stage it’s like you glitter bomb the stage,” she said. “Listen, one thing that I would like to see from you is not one piece of glitter the next time. I know that is going to be hard.”
Later that month, the “Last Friday Night” songstress was slammed by viewers who claim she was disrespectful toward another singer following the elimination of her favorite contestant, Elijah McCormick.
Despite the backlash, Pvnew exclusively reported earlier this month that Perry was brushing the drama off.
“Katy isn’t fazed by the backlash,” a source told us. “This has been a roller-coaster season with a lot of great talent, so she is just doing her job.”
The insider added that Perry “has a unique sense of humor that may not always translate well on camera, but she never has any ill intent.”
