American Idol Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

alum Oliver Steele clapped back at accusations about Katy Perry's bullying last week, penning a defense of the singer on Instagram.  «I've seen a lot of rumors going around the internet about Katy Perry possibly leavingand I don't necessarily know what’s true and what's not. Here is what I know about @katyperry,» the 24-year-old musician wrote. Steele made it to the Top 8 on season 21 of last month, where Iam Tongi was crowned winner.

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.

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.

American Idol led to “the downfall of society”.The View presenter got into an awkward exchange with an off-camera producer on Wednesday (May 24) while discussing Netflix‘s new documentary about the final days of Anna Nicole Smith’s life.After speaking to her co-hosts about the documentary, Goldberg concluded that “people like to be judgy,” before suggesting that American Idol was responsible for that kind of television.“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,” said Goldberg (via Page Six).“People watch these shows because they make them feel better,” she continued. “I think that we, as a society, love to watch stuff to judge folks.”The Sister Act star then revealed the exact point she believes audiences became too quick to pass judgement.“You know, I’ve always thought that the beginning of the downfall of society was with, um, what’s the name of that show I always tell you that?” she asked, turning to executive producer Brian Teta.Goldberg had evidently shared the opinion with Teta before, because the off-camera producer replied: “ABC’s American Idol?”The studio audience laughed as the producer attempted to remind Goldberg that American Idol airs on the Disney-owned ABC, the same network that pays her salary.“Well, it wasn’t always on ABC,” Goldberg hit back in defence.

During her appearance on American Idol on Monday, Kylie Minogue didn’t just debut her new single, Padam Padam, live for the first time – she also debuted a fiery new hair transformation. For her performance, Kylie wore an incredible black sequin dress that pooled on the floor and featured a daring thigh high slit on one side and black knee high boots, but it was her hair that was her most dramatic transformation.The Can’t Get You Out of My Head singer appeared on the American Idol final episode with her hair dyed a brand new coppery blonde shade that was giving us a major throwback to her iconic early 00s hair colour.

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.

first Pacific Islander to win “American Idol,” isn’t fazed by the rigging accusations that accompanied Sunday’s triumph — in fact, he said he “loves it.”“A lot of people are like, ‘Colin Stough was robbed,’ or whatever. And I just love it,” Tongi, 18, told the Daily Mail.Tongi, of Samoan and Tongan heritage, reigned victorious in the 21st season finale, beating out Stough, 18, and Megan Danielle, 20, but his win baffled fans who claimed the singing competition was “rigged.”Instead of letting haters get to him, he throws a “like” to critics’ social media posts, explaining he just has to “let those things happen.”“I am guilty for liking it,” he admitted.

“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.

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.

who won ABC’s Season 18 of the hit competition, said they were “super embarrassed” to let fans know that they have resumed singing in public following the major win.Sam, whose real name is Samantha Diaz, shared several clips of singing Ariana Grande’s “Almost Is Never Enough” in a subway station on Instagram.“Back in 2021, I was super embarrassed to be going back to the trains. I didn’t want people to know that I legit needed the money & I didn’t want people to know that it wasn’t optional,” Diaz, who uses they/them pronouns, wrote in a since-deleted caption, according to The Sun.“I was disappointed in myself for allowing myself to fall so low after winning ‘Idol,’ but then I had to take it easy on me and remember that I started my journey with ‘Idol’ at 20 years old.

Unconditionally.”A source allegedly close to Katy Perry claimed Tuesday that the controversial singer has expressed a desire to quit “Idol” after judging the show for six years. Perry, 38, has been the subject of several online rants by die-hard “Idol” fans complaining about the “California Gurls” singer’s provocative — and sometimes “rude” — coaching methods. Perry also reportedly claimed the producers of “Idol” intentionally edited footage to make her look like the “nasty” judge.“Katy feels like [the producers] threw her under the bus,” a supposed insider told the Daily Mail.

 during the height of the pandemic in 2020, is back to where she started — singing in subway stations.Just less than a week ago, the 24-year-old singer posted video of herself riding a New York City subway while belting out Beyonce's 2006 track, «Listen.» While wearing a white hoodie, white sweats, orange kicks and a backpack, Sam stood in the subway car trying to keep her balance and snapped her fingers. She was also holding a box for donations.Prior to that, Sam posted an Instagram video on May 12 showing her in a New York City subway station.

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

Mark Wright hasmade his return to US TV and shared some snaps with Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Ryan Seacrest as he made his big comeback. The former TOWIE star, 36, interviewed the American Idol judges and presenter for US entertainment show EXTRA TV, which he previously presented from 2017 until 2020.

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

alums Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken on Sunday night. The season 2 winner and runner-up, respectively, returned to the stage 20 years later for the season 21 finale, performing a duet to «The Impossible Dream,» with the help of season 21 winner and runner-up Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle.«It was really good, man. You know, I just definitely enjoyed myself,» Studdard told ET's Denny Directo after the performance.

slammed the always controversial Perry’s revealing outfit on social media, saying that it was more of a swimsuit than dress. The bright orange garment featured several cutouts down the front of the 38-year-singer accentuating her breast as well as her midriff. The look culminated in a sheer floor-length fabric that veiled the singer’s legs with rhinestones.Perry accesorized the outfit with a pair of high-heeled sandals.Perry’s dress is the latest of several instances where the “Teenage Dream” singer has come under fire from “Idol” fans.

Luke Bryan wasn't expecting to turn on the water works during Sunday's big season 21 finale! 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 added.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.

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.

After weeks of heated competition, themed musical nights, emotional backstories, and surprising departures,  has crowned a new winner!Sunday's Season 21 finale all came down to the season's top three — Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, and Colin Stough. After a fierce and star-studded extravaganza, there could only be one winner. After all the votes were cast, the new champion is… Iam Tongi!The 18-year-old winner wowed the judges with a stellar performance of his original song, «I’ll Be Seeing You,» during Sunday's live show.

Spoiler alert: Winner announced aheadThe 32-year-old “Crush” singer, who performed as Macaw on the Fox singing series, placed second to British entertainer Bishop Briggs, 30 — who embodied Medusa. Archuleta sang two songs before his identity was revealed, shedding some light on his vocal cord woes.

Ryan Seacrest has already booked a return to daytime as a guest on . Seacrest will appear on Thursday's episode for the first time since exiting the series last month. The 48-year-old media mogul previously co-hostedwith Kelly Ripa for nearly six years.

King Charles is a “secret comedian” who has an “amazing sense of humour”, pop legend Lionel Richie has revealed. The singer, 73, added that “no one knows” how funny the 74-year-old monarch actually is. Lionel made the comments after appearing at King Charles’ Coronation concert at Windsor Castle earlier this month - which came the day after the Royal and his wife Queen Consort Camilla were officially crowned at Westminster Abbey.

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.

had trouble finding her seat at the coronation of King Charles III ahead of her performance at the celebration concert — but she doesn’t mind.“Well, I just want everybody to know, thank you so much for your concern,” Perry deadpanned in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I found my seat.”The “American Idol” judge — who donned a lavender Vivienne Westwood suit set with a matching large hat at the May 6 event — arrived at the coronation ceremony and walked through the pews at Westminster Abbey trying to find her seat.At one point, she even appeared to ask someone for assistance.A video of the moment went viral on Twitter, amusing fans.“This is a new reaction vid if I’ve ever seen one,” one person wrote.“Even Katy Perry gets lost sometimes, but she always finds her way to the top,” another noted.Perry herself even got in on the joke, tweeting,  “Don’t worry guys I found my seat.”Even now, the “Hot N Cold” singer looks back at the moment with a laugh.“You know, the memes are meme-ing and I love it,” Perry told ET on Sunday.

Lionel Richie has high hopes for the talented singers who went the distance this season on .On Sunday's Disney Night episode of the Top 5 contestants battled it out for the three spots in next week's three-hour grand finale. Colin Stough, Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, Wé Ani, and Zachariah Smith sang their hearts out to make an impression.Speaking with ET's Denny Directo after the show, Richie revealed that he told the contestants before the show, and what he strongly believes about all the people who showed the world what they could do this season.«The Top 5, they have careers. I mean, you could just see it.

Katy Perry doesn't mind taking the internet by storm! Even when she doesn't actually mean to.Perry was in England earlier this month for the grand coronation ceremony for King Charles III — where she and Lionel Richie performed at the Coronation Concert. However, one moment went viral inadvertently when she couldn't find her seat for the grand occasion inside Westminster Abbey.«Well, I just want everybody to know, thank you so much for your concern,» Perry deadpanned while speaking with ET's Denny Directo following Sunday's new.

Keith Urban is returning to . The show's official Instagram account announced Friday that the country superstar is returning for the May 21 finale as a guest mentor.The «Blue Ain't Your Color» singer is certainly no stranger to the singing competition show. He was a judge from seasons 12 to 15.

“the one that got away” — if “American Idol” fans have their way.Viewers are campaigning on social media to permanently remove Katy Perry as a judge after she was temporarily replaced this week by the Canadian songstress to mentor the show’s Top 8. Morissette, 48, filled in for Perry, 38, while she and co-judge Lionel Richie, 73 — who was replaced by Ed Sheeran — performed at the coronation concert held in honor of King Charles III.Perry’s hiatus from the show came as several fans slammed the “TGIF” singer for her rude on-stage behavior.Several viewers of “Idol” seemed to breathe a sigh of relief during the “Dark Horse” singer’s two-episode absence.

died in February of suicide, The Post can confirm. According to an autopsy report obtained by Taste of Country, the 49-year-old musician passed away from a self-inflicted “intraoral shotgun wound” at the couple’s Nashville, Tennessee, home on Feb.