Luke Bryan on Getting Emotional During 'American Idol' Season 21 Finale (Exclusive)

Sharing his thoughts. American Idol alum Oliver Steele weighed in on rumors that Katy Perry plans to leave the show — and clapped back at accusations about her bullying contestants.

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.

Megan Danielle is speaking out amid allegations that American Idol Season 21 was “rigged” in favor of winner Iam Tongi.

competition was rigged.“I would say that it isn’t just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a reason,” the 21-year-old said in her first public comments about the controversy. “Even if I was first, second, last, whatever … I feel like any of us really deserved it.”The former waitress gushed about winner Iam Tongi, who took the No.

Whoopi Goldberg might be getting in trouble with 's network — ABC. The 67-year-old co-host of spoke out against another ABC show during a panel discussion this week.While discussing the recent Anna Nicole Smith documentary,, Goldberg talked about society's obsession with judging others.«I think, you know, that we as a society love to watch stuff, to judge folks,» Goldberg said. «I've always thought that the beginning of the downfall of society was with… what's the name of that show?»«That's ABC's » a producer replied, smiling.«It was not always on ABC.

It’s a no from her. Whoopi Goldberg thinks American Idol is to blame for some of society’s problems —seemingly forgetting that the competition show airs on the same network as The View.

“American Idol” was the “beginning of the downfall of society.”The 67-year-old made the bold claim on the ABC talk show Wednesday morning.Goldberg’s theory was brought up as the women of the show discussed why Netflix recently “dwelled” on the final days and legacy of Anna Nicole Smith in a new documentary. The actress claimed that viewers flock to these kinds of shows because “people like to be judgy.”“You have ‘Basketball Wives,’ you have the ‘Housewives’ of whatever, all the Bravo shows, giving you the impression that you’re doing something wrong because you’re living your life,” Goldberg said.

Katy Perry is sharing her thought on the future of American Idol.

BreAnna Bell “American Idol” scored a win for ABC with this season’s penultimate episode, which aired May 15. The episode hit season highs in total viewers (7.9 million) and with a 1.2 rating among the Adults 18-49 demographic. The episode’s performance pushed the series to its strongest showing in a year according to Nielsen ratings, according to new numbers obtained by Variety. According to the network, “Idol” jumped 3% for the third straight week in total viewers, climbing up the previous week’s 7.7 million total viewers, and also grew week-to-week by 9% among adults 18-49, from a 1.1 rating. In the episode, fans were given a closer look at the Season 21 contestants, including Colin Stough, Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle, via their journeys from hometown to Hollywood. (Tongi was later crowned this season’s winner in the May 21 episode.) Live+7 day numbers for the finale won’t be released until next week, but according to live+same day data, the season finale is the show’s most-watched in three years among total viewers, recording an audience of 6.6 million.

dawg.“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg, 67, boldly stated Wednesday on the ABC talk show that “American Idol” was the “beginning of the downfall of society.”While the women of the show discussed why Netflix recently “dwelled” on the late Anna Nicole Smith’s last days in a new documentary, Goldberg claimed that viewers will watch this kind of programming because “people like to be judgy.”“You have ‘Basketball Wives,’ you have the ‘Housewives’ of whatever, all the Bravo shows, giving you the impression that you’re doing something wrong because you’re living your life.”“People watch these shows because they make them feel better,” Goldberg continued. “I think that we, as a society, love to watch stuff to judge folks.”“The Color Purple” star then offered up a specific example of when she believes the public became too power-hungry on passing judgment.

told TV Insider. “I was so happy everyone voted.

Katy Perry has invited Lizzo to be a judge on American Idol. In a recent interview for Buzzfeed Celeb's Puppy Interview segment, the Dark Horse singer was asked what the most challenging part of being an American Idol judge was. "Probably being a woman and having a strong opinion," the 38-year-old pop star replied, before adding, "I also think that what's really challenging is only one person wins this contest.

Katy Perry is dishing about her American Idol experience.

tweeted one angry viewer. “Big Hawaiian dude that has the best sob story is going to win.

Meet your newest American Idol! Iam Tongi has been crowned as the season 21 winner of the ABC singing competition.

Luke Bryan wasn't expecting to turn on the water works during Sunday's big season 21 finale! However, sometimes you just can't hold back your heart.While fellow judge Katy Perry found herself getting expectedly emotional during the star-studded finale — as she's a judge who is known to wear her heart on her sleeve — Bryan surprised some fans when he shed a few tears as well during the showdown between the season's Top 3 -- Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, and Colin Stough.Speaking with ET's Denny Directo after the show, Bryan joked, «I never anticipated crying on national TV that much.»«But I think we're just mimicking what people are feeling at home,» he said, explaining that some of the contestants' backstories and inspiring bouts of courage and perseverance are deeply inspiring and moving for everyone.Ultimately, 18-year-old Tongi was crowned the champion, and Bryan shared some words of wisdom for the up-and-coming performer.«I think the main thing is, you have to make sure it's all on your terms, and when somebody is trying to push you down a creative path you may be unsure of, just trust your gut on stuff,» Bryan shared. «Also, understand that you're gonna make some mistakes.

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains details of the winner of American Idol Season 21.

It’s hard to believe American Idol first premiered almost 21 years ago!

American Idol has gotten the golden ticket from ABC.

Ryan Seacrest never gets tired of announcing the next American Idol. ET's Denny Directo spoke with 's host of more than two decades on Sunday, and Seacrest admitted that the novelty of announcing the winner each year has «never» worn off.«We're looking down to that card and saying, 'The next American Idol is,'» Seacrest said of the upcoming season finale. «I mean, that's the best part for me... I get excited.»That excitement comes from a season of seeing the contestants «grow» and develop, Seacrest said.«We see them with their normal jobs and they just come in for this audition,» he said.