Katy Perry defended over bullying claims by American Idol contestant Oliver Steele

Katy Perry has been defended over bullying claims by an American Idol contestant amid the ongoing drama.

If you keep up with the latest in Perry's life, you'll be well aware the 'Roar' singer has barley left the headlines in recent months.

Earlier this year, the pop star was accused of 'mom-shaming' an American Idol contestant - a show she has appeared as a judge on since 2018.

During the earlier auditions, 25-year-old Sara Beth Liebe revealed she is a mother-of-three, which promoted Perry to pretend to lie down on the judge's table.

Liebe responded: "If Katy lays on the table, I think I'm going to pass out," to which Perry replied: "Honey, you’ve been laying on the table too much!"

ABC

In a now deleted TikTok, Liebe said Perry's comments were 'hurtful', adding it was 'embarrassing' to have such broadcast on TV.

Perry was later booed by the American Idol crowd for the first time after telling contestant Nutsa Buzaladze she wanted to see less glitter from her next performance.

While Perry did admit there were 'intense' moments during the latest season in an interview on The View, she is yet to directly comment on the bullying acquisitions.

While there have been reports Perry may quit American Idol over the heavy criticism she has received, one contestant from the show is calling for the judge to stay.

Oliver Steele made it to the top eight of season 21 in American Idol, and has recently taken to Instagram to defend Perry.

"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," he wrote.

"Here is what I know about @katyperry. Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people."

ABC

Steele then went on to say how Perry actually helped him gain confidence while he was on the show.

He continued: "I remember being nervous at my audition, nervous during Hollywood week, hell even nervous throughout various points in the competition.

"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."

Steele concluded his post with: "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."