‘American Idol’ finalist defends Katy Perry, claims she ‘is not a bully’

nypost.com:

hear him “Roar.”“American Idol” finalist Oliver Steele lashed out on Instagram Saturday to defend controversial judge Katy Perry, claiming that she never bullied or shamed any contestant.Throughout the singing competition’s 21st season, the 38-year-old pop diva has been the subject of several teenage nightmares and social media rants about the judge’s provocative — and possibly “rude” — coaching methods.Steele, 25, opened up his post by saying that he’s “seen a lot of rumors going around the internet about Katy Perry possibly leaving idol,” adding that he can neither confirm nor deny them. “Here is what I know about @katyperry,” said the musician. “Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people. “I remember being nervous at my audition, nervous during Hollywood week, hell even nervous throughout various points in the competition,” continued the former competitor. “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.” The Post reached out to Steele and Perry for comment.

Steele said that while he enjoyed working with both Lionel Richie, 73, and Luke Bryan, 46, it was Perry who was able to make him “Smile.”A post shared by Oliver (@oliversteelemusic)“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,” rambled the Nashville, Tennessee, native. “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.” According to Steele, Perry “challenged me to push myself, to take on challenges that made me uncomfortable,” adding that he believed he was a better musician because of her “Dark Horse”.