• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Katy Perry called out for making American Idol fan-favorite contestant cry with 'cruel' comment

Home> Celebrity> News

Published 10:23 2 Apr 2024 GMT+1

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

Fans of the talent show were left furious after Katy Perry made a contestant cry

Kit Roberts

Kit Roberts

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.

Advert

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.”

Odell Bunton Jr on American Idol.
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."

Advert

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."

Advert

Viewers have called out Katy Perry.
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.

Advert

The contestant broke down in tears after the news was announced.
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!!

Advert

"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.

Featured Image Credit: American Idol/ABC

Topics: News, US News, Katy Perry, American Idol, Film and TV, Celebrity

Kit Roberts
Kit Roberts

Kit joined UNILAD in 2023 as a community journalist. They have previously worked for StokeonTrentLive, the Daily Mirror, and the Daily Star.

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom finally address break-up rumors with joint statement
  • Katy Perry wins long-running trademark battle against Katie Perry
  • American Idol contestant tearfully apologizes to Katy Perry after singer's comments
  • Fans calling for Katy Perry to apologize for 'rude' reaction to American Idol contestant progressing

Choose your content:

an hour ago
3 hours ago
4 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Harry Potter star Emma Watson has officially been banned from driving

    Two Harry Potter stars have been banned from driving on the same day after they were caught speeding

    Celebrity
  • 3 hours ago

    Barack and Michelle Obama reveal ‘hard times’ as they directly address divorce rumors

    Barack and Michelle Obama have been married for over three decades

    Celebrity
  • 3 hours ago

    Will Smith considers changing his name after making surprising family discovery

    The Bad Boys actor described the newfound information about his background as 'crazy'

    Celebrity
  • 4 hours ago

    Fans point out 'important' detail in Dax Shepard's NSFW photo of Kristen Bell in compromising position

    Dax Shepard shared a very cheeky snap of his wife Kristen Bell to Instagram

    Celebrity