Katy Perry was moved to tears and made an angry speech after a school shooting survivor's American Idol audition.
The 'Dark Horse' singer was joined by fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on Sunday (February 26) when the 21-year-old hopeful appeared before them.
Trey Louis, who works as a mattress salesman, gave a heartfelt performance of 'Stone' by Whiskey Myers, which triggered an emotional response from the panel.
Advert
But when Trey shared his reasons for coming on the show, the judges were left visibly distraught.
As well as praising the stars who make it on the show, the 21-year-old explained that he's from Santa Fe, Texas.
Tragically, he happened to attend Santa Fe High School in May 2018, when a gunman opened fire and killed ten people, including eight students and two teachers.
Advert
"I was in art room one, and he shot up art room two before he made his way to art room one," said Trey.
"I lost a lot of friends. Eight students were killed, two teachers were killed, and it's just really been negative. Santa Fe's had a bad rep here since 2018."
As the young lad grew saddened at having to relive the trauma, Bryan stepped in to offer some words of support.
"You just got the perfect voice," he said. "You sang from the right spot. You just let it come out of your heart, and that's what we love around here."
But after a few moments of silence, Perry put her head in her hands and sobbed before coming back up and giving an impassioned speech.
Advert
"Our country has f***ing failed us," she screamed, to which Trey said, "Facts."
The mum-of-one continued: "This is not okay. You should be singing here because you love music. Not because you had to go through that f***ing bulls***. You don't have to lose eight friends.
"I hope that you remind people we have to change. Because, you know what, I'm scared too."
The judges then comforted her as Trey said, "It's terrible Katy, it's horrible."
Advert
It's safe to say the American Idol applicant moved the trio with his story, with all three of them giving him a 'yes' to go to the next round.
Trey's audition also moved the viewers at home, with one person writing: "The amount of trauma these students went through is horrific. No one should have to experience that.
"Rooting for you Trey! You will be the change we all need."
Another said: "His strength is phenomenal, he was 16 when that tragedy happened, he lived through that and carries that and yet has the strength to comfort Katy, to smile, to exude an infectious joy.
Advert
"My heart goes out to him and all those who have lived the reality that he has lived."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Film and TV, Katy Perry, Music, US News, American Idol