AMERICAN Idol judge Luke Bryan has defended co-star Katy Perry amid backlash from viewers of the competition series.

The pop singer faced backlash over her comments to contestants during Season 21.

Luke Bryan defended Katy Perry amid criticism of her work on American Idol

The pop singer was slammed for her comments to contestants during Season 21

Luke, 47, opened up about working alongside Katy, 38, and Lionel Richie on American Idol in an interview with People.

He admitted that he was not expecting the job to be as emotional as it’s been.

The country singer noted, however, that he and his fellow judges are embracing it all.

He appeared to touch on the backlash Katy faced for failing to say the right thing to certain contestants on the show.

Luke told the magazine: “If you’d have told me I would have cried in front of millions of Americans … I’m not there trying to put on this tough-country-guy act.

“I’m there to get involved in the emotion of the show. And sometimes what you’re trying to say is not going to land perfectly.”

The CMT Award-winner went on: “But for the most part, I know when I sit down behind that desk at American Idol, me and Lionel and Katy are doing our best and coming from a place of love and compassion.”

Luke previously defended Katy, claiming she was being unfairly picked on.

SEE YA, KATY

In addition to being extremely critical of Katy, American Idol viewers have called for her to quit the show.

In July, critics begged the Hot N Cold singer to give up her judging spot after she announced she was returning.

Katy uploaded a short video, which featured several moments from her Las Vegas residency.

In the Instagram Reel, Katy had on a bright red bodysuit as she performed on stage and snapped selfies with fans.

She wore a skintight suit with cutouts around her breasts as well as a hat shaped like a mushroom.

The award-winning musician also appeared in a harness while rehearsing before riding the SlotZilla zipline over a crowd.

Katy captioned the post: “Zipping back to Vegas this weekend to play! We’re counting down to the final flush!”

CRUEL COMMENTS

In the comments section, Katy haters begged her to focus her career on music and return to singing, instead of her TV career.

One critic wrote: “Don’t go back to American Idol, Mother.”

Another added: “We need new music! Not American Idol!”

A third hater commented: “It’s like Katy just forgot that she’s a singer. But I’ll always before [sic]. It’s just sad the way she’s managing her career.”

A fourth person wrote: “I want a new album so bad. We’re counting down the days till you leave American Idol.”

Another commentator chimed in: “Girl, we want an album. Give us what we deserve.”

SHE’S BACK

Katy announced her plans to return to American Idol on July 25.

She shared the news in a tweet, writing: “Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will return as American Idol judges along with host Ryan Seacrest for Season 7. Audition NOW!”

Critics flocked to Twitter to lament Katy’s return to the judges’ desk.

One person tweeted: “No one’s excited,” while another commentator added: “You can’t find a single Katy Perry fan on this planet that wanted her to return.”

Viewers previously called for the show to fire her as a judge.

Throughout Season 21 of American Idol, Katy was accused of mom-shaming and being condescending toward various contestants.

American Idol viewers begged Katy not to come back to American Idol

Luke previously defended her amid major backlash from viewers of the show