In a surprising turn of events, pop sensation Katy Perry is receiving sharp feedback on her latest track, "OK." After a seven-year tenure as a judge on ABC's "American Idol," it seems the tables have turned, with former contestant Steven James leading the charge against her new release.

Over the weekend, James took to TikTok to share his thoughts on the track, and his reaction has quickly gone viral. In the now-infamous video, he is seen grimacing as the song plays, even giving the camera a pointed side-eye. His caption, “This can’t be the same person who eliminated me on American Idol 5 years ago,” set the tone for what would follow.

The backlash didn't stop there. Viewers flooded the comments, with one user jokingly stating, "Sounds like a theme song of a PBS kids show," while another added, “Damn, when you put it that way,” clearly siding with James' sentiment.

“OK” is one of four additional tracks from Perry's newly released deluxe album, 1432, which debuted earlier this month. This past year has seen significant changes for Perry, who announced her exit from "American Idol" in February, signaling a desire to focus more on her music. Since joining the show in its 16th season in 2018, Perry has been a pivotal figure in the competition. However, her recent work, including her latest album, 143, has garnered mixed to negative reviews.

Perry's previous album, *Smile*, released in 2020, was her first LP of original material since 2010's iconic *Teenage Dream*, yet it also failed to top the American charts. Critics have been particularly harsh on 143, especially regarding its lead single, "Woman's World." Although it's marketed as a female empowerment anthem, the fact that it was produced by Dr. Luke—infamous for his legal battles with singer Kesha over accusations of sexual assault—sparked controversy and skepticism among fans and critics alike.

In a bid to address the criticism, Perry opened up during an interview on Alex Cooper's *Call Her Daddy* podcast. She stated, "I understand that it started a lot of conversations, and he was one of many collaborators that I collaborated with. But, the reality is it comes from me." It appears she wants to emphasize her personal journey through the music she creates.

Perry's career showcases the constant balancing act artists undertake between personal expression, public perception, and commercial success. As she navigates these waters, one thing is clear: fans and critics alike are paying close attention to her every move.

Stay tuned for more updates on Katy Perry’s musical journey and the responses from the music industry!