Katy Perry tricks ‘Idol’ contestants: ‘Psychological warfare’

Fans are getting tired of Katy Perry being “Hot N Cold”

The outspoken “American Idol” judge once again whipped viewers into a social media frenzy during Sunday’s episode, tricking teary-eyed young singers into believing they were eliminated — before revealing they were moving on to the next round.

Social media watchdogs are now comparing her cringeworthy bait-and-switch tease to “psychological warfare” on the initially crestfallen contestants.

This fresh wave of criticism comes after Perry, 38, was told “bye-bye Katy” last week for being “rude and condescending” to other contestants last week, hot on the heels of being accused of “mom shaming” 25-year-old Sara Beth Liebe into quitting the show.

Perry has been a constant source of controversy this season due to her allegedly harsh comments toward contestants — despite the fact that the formative success of the singing competition hinged on original judge Simon Cowell’s infamously blunt critiques.

In Sunday’s episode, the top 48 were pitted against each other in front of a live band before being narrowed down to the show’s top 24.

The “Teenage Dream” singer wanted to add “extra drama” when she suggested to 25-year-old Nutsa Buzaladze — who already had a rocky relationship with the judges — that she had failed to make the top 24 with her fiery, J.Lo-esque rendition of Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.”

“We have really appreciated you being in this competition — and we did not put you in the Top 24,” said Perry as Buzaladze visibly squirmed and teared up.

“It’s ok,” said an emotional Buzaladze, who appeared unsure of what to do next.

“YOU put yourself in that top 24,” Perry then declared. “Nutsa, you put yourself in that top 24 with your incredible talent,” leaving the Buzaladze looking even more confused.

“We didn’t put you in there, you did. As confusing as it seems you’re going to the top 24,” clarified Perry.

The Post reached out to Perry for comment.

Meanwhile, later in the episode, the “I Kissed a Girl” singer pulled the same stunt with 19-year-old Zachariah Smith.

“You will be going home,” said Perry to an apparently devastated Smith, before finally adding: “To pack your bags to come back to the top 24!”

These little stunts left Perry with the ire of the tiger.

“Is it just me or does it bug anyone else that Katy Perry keeps trolling people about whether they made it to the top 24 or not,” slammed one Twitter user. “I feel it’s cruel to make them think they aren’t going through … and then say, Yeah, you made it!”

“Katy Perry tries way to hard. Like get to the point girl. There is no need for the extra drama,” said a second viewer.

“Turned on ‘American Idol’ for s–ts and giggles tonight. why does Katy Perry commit psychological warfare every time she delivers the ‘you made it through’ news.” said a third person.

However, some viewers revealed they actually enjoyed the drama stirred up by Perry’s antics.

“My favorite part of American idol top #24 reveal is Katy Perry messing with people before telling them they’re in and using phrases that makes them think they’re not in,” said one user.

Perry was initially slammed by fans on April 5, when the mother of three Sara Beth Liebe appeared on the show and shocked the judges by saying that she was already a mom.

Liebe later quit the show after saying it “was not a ploy” and that she sincerely missed being with her kids.

The mom then issued a statement on Instagram saying that she was “not even mad” about Perry’s comments.

“If you watch my videos, you’d know that I’m not even mad. I’m just trying to do music,” stated the mom of three. “I’m so over it, No more.”

‘American Idol’ was built on blunt critiques

The singing competition is no stranger to being slammed for its judges’ seemingly harsh comments.

Original “AI” judge Simon Cowell, 63, was legendary for giving harsh advice, sometimes even upsetting fellow judges Randy Jackson, 66, and Paula Abdul, 60, in the OG run of the show from 2002 to 2016.

Alas, Perry’s “underwhelming” remarks have continued to elicit the ire of fans over the past few weeks.

“Katy is so rude and condescending to the contestants unless it’s a male cutie then she acts like a teenage fool,” slammed a commenter on a photo that host Ryan Seacrest, 48, posted on Instagram. “One contestant quit because of her, bye-bye Katie!”

“I’m OVER Katy Perry,” one viewer raged about the “Teenage Dream” singer. “She was incredibly insensitive and unkind to a sweet, raw and honest Sara Beth Liebe as if she’s forgotten what it’s like to be young and new to the ‘dream.’ “

“I turned IDOL OFF tonite, it was ridiculous the pandering of the judges … contestants didn’t know the words, they are NOT professional and they are blubbering idiots,” another sniped on Seacrest’s Insta snap thread. “And the Katy Perry remarks were rude also. Lost control, the show is now contrived and it’s an insult to the viewer! Bye bye.”

Perry’s launched “Idol” scandal of 203 when sme viewers are accusing her of “mom-shaming” contestant Liebe into quitting the show.

The 25-year-old appeared on the March 5 episode and revealed to the shocked judges that she was a mother of three.

Perry mock-staggered away from the judge’s table and Bryan began to fan her.

“If Katy lays on the table, I think I’m going to pass out,” joked Liebe.

“Honey, you’ve been laying on the table too much,” retorted Perry.

Not everyone took offense to the exchange: “How was Katy Perry ‘mom shaming?’ ” one fan countered. “It was literally a joke. Sara Beth came across like she wasn’t as invested in her music career compared to other contestants, hence why Katy kept pushing her for more. It was frustrating. She literally said yes to her y’all!”

Liebe herself issued a statement last week on her Instagram Story saying that she’s “not even mad” about Perry’s comments.

“If you watch my videos, you’d know that I’m not even mad. I’m just trying to do music,” stated the mom of three.

Liebe said the decision to quit the show was “not a ploy,” nor was she just trying to get her 15 minutes of fame.

“I’m so over it,” she added. “No more.”

“American Idol” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC.