'American Idol' Contestant Haley Smith Dies in Maine Motorcycle Accident at Age 26

Haley Smith, who wowed the judges during the 11th season ofAmerican Idolin 2012, died in a motorcycle crash in Maine this weekend. She was 26 years old. The single-vehicle accident took place in the town of Millinocket at 2 a.m. on Saturday, the Millinocket Police Department confirms to PEOPLE. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. “It would appear initially that she failed to negotiate a sharp turn and crashed,” the department told PEOPLE, adding that an investigation is pending.

'American Idol' Contestant Nutsa Buzaladze Apologizes to Katy Perry After She's Told She Needs 'Grace'

Katy Perry and Nutsa Buzaladza.Photo: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic, ABC/Eric McCandless A contestant onAmerican Idolis clearing the air after a rocky duets week. On Sunday’s episode of the singing competition show, contestantNutsa Buzaladzenot only slayed the stage with her performance of Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” — but also apologized toKaty Perryafterlast week’s incident. In a behind-the-scenesclip from the episode, DeAngelo was visibly upset when Buzaladze slept through a rehearsal, which ultimately left them unprepared for the performance.

'American Idol' Contestant Oliver Steele Defends Katy Perry Against Backlash: She's 'Not a Bully'

Oliver Steele and Katy Perry.Photo:Oliver Steele/instagramAfter reports recently circulated insinuating Katy Perry is considering leavingAmerican Idol, one of the latest season’s contestants is speaking out in support of the pop star.Throughout season 21, the “Teenage Dream” singergarnered backlashfor criticizing contestants and was accused of"mom-shaming"one hopeful performer.Oliver Steele, who finished in the top 8 of season 21,came to her defense on Instagram, sharing photos with Perry, 38, and writing about the “rumors” as well as his experience.

'American Idol' Contestant Sara Beth Liebe Calls Judge Katy Perry's 'Mom-Shaming' Joke 'Hurtful'

American Idolcontestant and mother of threeSara Beth Liebeis responding to her awkward audition that occurred on the March 5 episode of the hit reality competition show. Right before Liebe, 25, started to perform, she told judgesLionel Richie,Luke BryanandKaty Perryher age and that she had three kids. All three acted shocked and Perry, 38, stood up and began fanning herself. “If Katy lays on the table, I think I’m going to pass out,” Liebe said.

'American Idol' Contestant Says He's 'Traumatized' from Katy Perry Arguing Against His Song Choice

Katy Perry.Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic A formerAmerican Idolcontestant is opening up about his experience on the show. Earlier this month, contestant Adriel Carrion — who appeared on season 19 — shared a clip of judgeKaty Perrynearly rejecting his “Watermelon Sugar” performance before it even began. In the clip, Carrion and another contestant, Anthony Guzman, were about to perform the Harry Styles' hit during Hollywood Week when Perry, 38, says “Not ‘Watermelon Sugar’ … I can’t take another ‘Watermelon Sugar’!