American Idol finalist Oliver Steele says Katy Perry ‘is not a bully, nor does she shame people’

American Idol finalist Oliver Steele is defending Katy Perry from the show amid claims she made mean and sharp remarks to contestants during the competition’s controversial 21st season.

Steele, 25, took to Instagram on Saturday with a statement defending the pop star, 38, amid DailyMail.com’s exclusive report that the musical artist is about to quit the ABC series as she feels has that she was “thrown under the bus” by producers who have positioned her as the “annoying judge” on the series.

“I’ve seen a lot of rumors on the internet that Katy Perry might be leaving the idol and I don’t necessarily know what’s true and what’s not,” Steele, a contest finalist, said in his post. “Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people.”

Steele said he was nervous during multiple steps in the show’s process and Perry showed “an incredible ability” to detect this and figure out “what’s holding you back”.

He continued, “I love all the judges, but Katy always seemed to be able to look into my soul and tell me exactly what was bothering me, or what I was struggling with.”

Steele said Perry reminded him to believe in himself and his artistry, challenging him to push himself and take risks he wasn’t comfortable with in order to move forward.

“I’m a better musician and artist after Katy Perry pushed me to believe in my potential and transcend my limitations,” he said.

Steele tagged the Roar singer in the post saying he’s making sure she “stays” American Idol during the turbulent time.

“You are a guiding light, an incredible teacher,” he said. “And you made me believe I’m my own hero. Thanks for everything.’

Steele’s supportive comments for Perry came after a source told DailyMail.com that the California Gurls performer “feels like her comments could have been removed” from an earlier broadcast because it’s inconsistent with the goals she set when she became a member of the series judging panel.

“She went into it thinking she would nurture young talent,” the source said. “Having her good intentions misinterpreted was not what she wanted.

“She’s accomplished so much in her career and is now seen as a nasty reality show judge.”

The source said Perry “became aware of the harsh criticism” aimed at her and that “being booed really upset her” as she “tried to stay at her job, do her job and go home ‘.

Steele, 25, took to Instagram on Saturday with a statement defending the pop star, 38, amid DailyMail.com’s exclusive message that the musical artist is about to quit the ABC series

Steele said he was nervous during multiple steps in the show’s process and Perry showed “an incredible ability” to detect this and figure out “what’s holding you back”

Perry is debating leaving the job, which reportedly pays her $25 million per season

The source said Perry had “wanted to leave for a while, but this season was way too much for her,” and that she’s considering quitting the job, which will reportedly earn her $25 million per season.

One of the controversies she was associated with during the show’s 21st season included an exchange when she reportedly shamed contestant Sara Beth Liebe in front of mom by saying she had “laid too much on the table.”

She also raised eyebrows with her feedback on contestants Carina DeAngelo and Nutsa Buzaladze at the show’s Hollywood Week showcase after saying they were impressed with their performance.

That’s what an insider told me Page six earlier this month that the fireworks artist “has a unique sense of humor that may not always translate well on camera, but she never has any malicious intent.”

The insider added: “Katy hasn’t been fazed by the backlash. This has been a roller coaster season with a lot of great talent so she’s just doing her job.’