Katy Perry called out for making American Idol fan-favorite contestant cry with 'cruel' comment

Fans of American Idol have criticised Katy Perry for what she did during an episode of the hit show.

During Monday's (April 1) episode, viewers were stunned following the performance of contestant Odell Bunton Jr.

The 28-year-old, from Texas, also wowed judges on American Idol with his rendition of 'Bring it on Home to Me' by Sam Cooke.

Bunton lives in Dallas, where he works the overnight shift as a security guard at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

The contestant has previously revealed how he has always wanted to become a singer and put his dreams on hold to dedicate his time to being a good dad to his young family.

He said: “It has not been easy trying to provide for five. It’s been a struggle.”

ABC

Speaking to Katy Perry and her co-judges, Lionel Ritchie and Luke Bryan, about his life during his appearance on the show, Bunton said: "Man, it's tough. We got a total of 12 people living in a hotel room. Just two beds and a little kitchen area."

But it was how Perry handled the next stage of the competition which had fans up in arms.

Bunton had given his performance to get a place in the final 24 on the series, and was waiting to hear what the judges had to say.

Referencing the contestant's home life, Perry said: "You know, Odell, it's a lot of pressure, having a platinum ticket."

She added: "I don't even know what the pressure is having 12 people under one roof."

ABC

After giving the impression that Bunton had not made it through, the contestant ended up fighting back tears.

Finally, Perry said: "It's gonna be up to America from here on out because you're in our Top 24."

Upon finding out that he had made it through, Bunton broke down in tears.

ABC

But despite the good news, many viewers were left furious at the exchange and how Perry appeared to string Bunton along before finally telling him the good news.

"That was not nice Katy #AmericanIdol," one wrote, while another posted: "Nah Katy is wrong for that…"

Someone else said: "OMG!! My heart dropped for a second when Katy did that!!! Damn you Katy Perry!!

"I'm sooooooo glad that Odell Bunton Jr. is in the Top 24!"

Others also praised Bunton's performance on the show, writing: "Odell Bunton Jr. such a sweet tone, nice soft husk, emotive. He sold this right to the audience, got that old soul-singer soul with that growl and grit.

"So intense, unbelievable runs. Another great performance."

UNILAD has contacted representatives for Katy Perry and American Idol for comment.