Katy Perry climbs on top of piano during American Idol contestant's audition and becomes meme

American Idol viewers are flocking to social media in stitches after Katy Perry hopped on top of a piano during a contestant's audition.

In the latest episode of season 21 of the ABC singing competition (Sunday, 26 March) 21-year-old rock singer Nate Peck stepped through the doors of the audition room to perform a rendition of 'Lightnin' Strikes Again' by Dokken.

However, the contestant received a surprising response from two of the American Idol judges, who joined him up on the audition stage to perform another song. Prepare yourself for some serious air guitar energy:

Inspired by the 21-year-old's performance, Luke Bryan hopped on up to join him to perform 'Here I Go Again' by English rock band, Whitesnake.

Bryan was swiftly followed by fellow judge Katy Perry. The 'I Kissed a Girl' singer stole the limelight by sliding on top of the piano and playing the air guitar in homage to Tawny Kitaen, the model and actor who starred in Whitesnake's 1987 music video for 'Here I Go Again,' who sadly passed away in May 2021 at the age of 59.

ABC

Bryan was quick to point out the reference to the iconic music video, noting Perry sitting on top of the piano was reminiscent of Kitaen on top of the car.

"Come on, Tawny. Come on, Tawny. God rest her soul," Bryan said.

The judge then jokingly added: "Have y'all noticed an uptick in ratings when Katy blows the crotch out?"

ABC

Sure enough, it hasn't taken long for Perry's air guitar moment on top of the piano to become widespread on social media - American Idol viewers and Whitesnake fans loving the performance.

Luke Bryan edited a screenshot of Perry on top of the piano onto the car used in the 1987 music video, captioning the image: "Do y'all think @katyperry could pose for @Whitesnake too? #Idol."

"I definitely do," one user said.

Another commented: "Yes!!! Love the group Whitesnake and the song!!"

"Hell ya, get some big hair on her and it will be awesome," a third wrote.

Twitter/ @lukebryan

Others were left in stitches over the picture edit.

A user said: "You crack me up! You're the king of memes!"

"You're too much Luke, your memes are always the best," a second wrote.

A final resolved: "This is one of the best songs & videos. @lukebryan

I enjoyed you singing it & I teared up when you honored she had passed away. Love you, Luke."

Contestant Nate ended up receiving three yeses from the judges - Perry, Bryan and Lionel Richie - with Bryan even declaring the 21-year-old is the best 'rocker' the show has 'ever' had.