AMERICAN Idol Season 21 finalist, Oliver Steele, has opened up about what Katy Perry is like in real life.

The judge has been met with backlash this season after she was accused of “bullying” and “mom-shaming.”

American Idol finalist Oliver Steele revealed what Katy Perry is like behind-the-scenes in a new videoCredit: American Idol Unaired with Bennett Scheer

Oliver said that she is a bit ‘reserved’ but ‘not unapproachable’Credit: Getty
Oliver appeared on the American Idol Unaired Podcast with Bennett Scheer on June 12.

He talked about being friends with winner, Iam Tongi, being saved in the finals, his song choices, the judges, and more.

Bennett told the singer that he wanted to reflect on some of the memories Oliver made on the show.

“I know you said before that you have a lot of fond memories with Katy and Luke [Bryan] and Lionel [Richie] as well. I’m curious about what you think,” he asked Oliver.

Oliver said that Luke was the guy who “loves to laugh.”

He also added that during Hollywood Week, Lionel would turn around in his chair and talk to the contestants.

“Katy is a little bit more reserved, but that doesn’t mean that she is unapproachable,” Oliver let the host know.

“I was a little irritated with the way she was being treated after the show and the things people were saying because it’s all bullc**p.”

Oliver continued: “Katy’s a wonderful person.”

OLIVER’S MEMORIES

The Idol finalist went on to share a sweet memory of him and the Roar singer.

“I remember day one in Hollywood, I was like, ‘Katy, do you mind if we get a photo?’ And she was like, ‘Yeah, sure, babe, like one second.’ Cause they were doing her make-up. And then she was like, ‘Alright, let’s get that photo’,” Oliver shared.

“Like she’s just super sweet.”

Oliver then went on to share a story about his time in Hawaii.

The groups were split up into two and he was sitting at the side, watching his fellow contestants.

Oliver shared that during then, Katy looked over at him, winked, and stuck her tongue out.

He then said that she did it again at the end when he waved over.

“She had been making faces at me while performances were happening,” Oliver laughed.

“Katy is just the funniest, coolest person behind the scenes. She’s just sweet like that.”

The 2-year-old shared that before he got saved by the judges, Katy was just staring at him.

She eventually smiled and winked at him after they had made their decision.

“She was always so supportive in her own little way, in like letting you know like, ‘Hey I’m here for you and I support you’,” Oliver told Bennett.

He said after the show ended that he went to Katy and thanked her for all of the support that she gave him.

“I think that’s the biggest thing with Katy. She would push you without ever having to say, ‘I’m pushing you.'”

NERVES OF STEELE

Oliver gave a lengthy assessment of the 38-year-old entertainer in the caption of a post he shared on Instagram.

The 2-year-old singer’s message included two snaps of him smiling beside a grinning Katy on the Idol set.

He revealed that he didn’t know what was true and what wasn’t about Katy’s future on Idol.

However, what he did know about the TV personality was that she was “not a bully,” and she didn’t “shame people.”

“I remember being nervous at my audition, nervous during Hollywood week, hell even nervous throughout various points in the competition,” Oliver 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.

“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.

Oliver added that he was a “better musician and artist” after Katy pushed him “to believe” in his own potential and to exceed his limitations.

He ended his caption with: “@katyperry I dunno if you’ll see this, but I hope you stay on American idol.

“You’re a guiding light, an incredible teacher. And you made me believe that I am my own hero. Thank you for everything. #katyperry #idol #americanidol #oliversteele #music #singer #myownhero #hero #thankful #songwriter.”

The Idol finalist said that he was ‘irritated’ at what people were saying about her because she is a ‘very sweet person’Credit: Instagram/@oliversteelemusic

Oliver shared on the podcast that during their time in Hawaii Katy kept making faces at him as his fellow contestants sang, and he cracked up at itCredit: Instagram/@oliversteelemusic

Katy has been met with backlash from Idol watchers, who called her a ‘bully’ and ‘mom-shamer’Credit: Getty