‘American Idol’ Judge Katy Perry Reportedly “Isn’t Fazed” After Receiving Backlash For Her Treatment of Contestants

American Idol judge Katy Perry has dealt with her fair share of criticism this season. From being called “dismissive” or accused of “losing all credibility,” this season has certainly been a whirlwind of emotions for the judge.

But, Page Six reports, sources say Perry isn’t letting the bad press get to her.

“Katy isn’t fazed by the backlash,” a source said. “This has been a roller-coaster season with a lot of great talent, so she is just doing her job.”

Perry was recently criticized for appearing “dismissive” after she didn’t provide feedback on a contestant’s performance. Instead, she urged viewers to vote after one of her favorite contestants was voted off.

Earlier on in the season, Perry also cracked a joke about a young mother who auditioned for the show, telling the 25-year-old mother-of-three that she’s been “laying on the table too much.” That contestant later made it onto the show, but became one of two contestants to leave the competition early this season.

This season also marked the first time Perry had been booed by the live audience in her six seasons on the show while filming in Hawaii.

According to the source, Perry “has a unique sense of humor that may not always translate well on camera, but she never has any ill intent.”

They explained, “She’s a mentor and a friend to the contestants.”

Perry hasn’t publicly commented on the backlash she’s received as a judge. But viewers at home have been very vocal about how they think she’s treating contestants this season.

When Perry tricked contestants into thinking they were being sent home instead of moving on to the Top 24, viewers called her joke “psychological warfare.” One viewer tweeted, “Talk about punching down. She’s such a mean girl. Why do they have her on this show?”

Perry will be taking a brief break from the show to perform at King Charles III’s coronation alongside Lionel Richie. The judges will be temporarily replaced on Sunday night’s (May 7) episode by Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morisette.

Country singer Luke Bryan will be staying on during their absence.