American Idol's Iam Tongi Addresses Controversy Over His 'Rigged' Win!

“One Tree Hill” fans are feeling the thirst.

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.

“American Idol” contestant Oliver Steele has jumped to Katy Perry’s defence after she faced backlash over some of her comments on the show.

While Iam Tongi cashed in as the "American Idol" winner of the 2023 season, controversy around judge Katy Perry exploded like a firework over her sometimes harsh criticism of contestants.  Now that the season is over, finalist and top 8 contestant Oliver Steele is debunking rumors that Perry is a bully. "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. Here is what I know about [her].

Oliver Steele is speaking out.

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.

Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell was blasted by viewers for his critique of young singer Tina Connolly's performance. After 15-year-old Tia belted out Katy Perry's hit Firework in the second live semi-final on Tuesday (May 30), Simon bluntly told her she was put through from the audition stage "not because you're the best singer in the competition, but because you've got guts."

Katy Perry is obsessing over her fiancé’s shirtless style.

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.

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.

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.

King Charles’ Coronation has been hit with more than 8,000 Ofcom complaints by fuming TV viewers. Coverage of the momentous occasion was broadcast on Saturday 6 May - with millions of Royal fans tuning in to watch the King and Queen Camilla being officially crowned at Westminster Abbey.

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

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.

She is The Voice! Gina Miles has officially been crowned as the NBC singing competition’s season 23 champion.

Katy Perry has been a judge on American Idol since the sixteenth season in 2018, but her time may be coming to an end. The singer has had viral moments on the show, which has led to negative views and discourses about her.

Katy Perry may well be DONE with American Idol after this messy season!

Katy Perry is reportedly on the verge of quitting "American Idol" amid fierce fan backlash.The most recent season of the ABC show was particularly trying for Katy, as she was sometimes booed for criticizing performances. The "Firework" singer was also dragged for mom-shaming another contestant who eventually quit the show.As this went on, Katy felt like the wasn't getting proper backing from the higher-ups."Katy feels like [the producers] threw her under the bus. She feels like her comments could have been removed," a source told DailMail.com.

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.

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

Mike Tindall was worried he might perform a ‘sl*t drop’ and ‘rip his trousers’ while dancing at the Coronation Concert. The 44-year-old Royal, speaking on his podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, described the weekend that saw King Charles officially crowned as “strange but amazing”.

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.

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.

Katy Perry is dishing about her American Idol experience.

And the winner of American Idol season 21 is… not the fan favorite??

Katy Perry is spilling details!

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.

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.

Thania Garcia The Foo Fighters are gearing up for a bustling touring season — their first without drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died tragically in Colombia last year — that kicks off with a date in New Hampshire in the coming week. Taking on the challenge of filling Hawkins’ role, as Variety tipped back in January, will be Josh Freese. Although the name might not seem entirely familiar at first glance, it’s more than likely you’ve either heard and even own a record that has him listed in the credits. Freese joins the group after having played alongside a star-studded lineup for the Hawkins tribute concerts that the Foos put together in London and Los Angeles last fall. He’s also a longtime friend of both Grohl and Hawkins and is a seasoned session act who has performed and toured with rock bands Guns N’ Roses, A Perfect Circle, Puddle of Mudd, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer, Paramore, the Replacements, Sting and the Vandals, to name a few. Freese was most recently drumming for Danny Elfman and the Offspring, with whom he was touring up until last year.

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