Katy Perry has been a judge in "American Idol" since 2018, serving on the bench for six seasons already, including its current one, Season 21. Alongside Perry are Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who has also been with her since 2016.
Like any singing reality competition, the judges are exposed to meeting hundreds of dreamers every audition day, their stories, and their life woes.
Supposedly, these judges have to be objective in giving their criticisms and verdicts when choosing the candidates who will move forward, but as always, being emotional when hearing good music and talent is something that could get in the way.
READ ALSO: Katy Perry Accused of Traumatizing 'American Idol' Contestant 3 Years After Audition
Why Did Katy Perry Cry on 'American Idol'?
In last week's most recent episode, Perry was enveloped by "angry tears" when 21-year-old mattress salesman Trey Louis of Santa Fe, Texas, was asked by Bryan why he auditioned.
Louis first said that his favorite stars stood before the same spot where he was now and revealed that he wanted to be there too. The second, and perhaps the most gutting part, was because he survived a mass shooting at Santa Fe High School.
"[I] lost a lot of friends. It's just really been negative and Santa Fe's had a bad rap since 2018," Louis told the judges.
In May 2018, a gunman barged into Santa Fe High School, claiming the lives of ten people, eight of those were Louis' friends, while two were his teachers. As he recalled the traumatic event, he mentioned that he was in the room next door where the gunman first fired, making his way to the room he was in. (via Fox News)
As Bryan's voice cracked as he praised Louis, Perry slumped forward and sobbed on her hands before unleashing a rage rant.
"Our country has f-king failed us," Perry screamed. "This is not okay. You should be singing here because you love music, not because you had to go through that f-king bulls-t. You don't have to lose eight friends. I hope that you remind people that we have to change. Cuz, you know, I'm scared too."
Both Bryan and Richie agreed on the bench, including Louis, who was nodding in agreement. The three judges were in unison that Louis' talent merited him to move forward to get a ticket to California for Hollywood week.
Check out Trey Louis' Whiskey Myers' "Stone" performance and the whole interaction:
READ ALSO: 'American Idol' Viewers Want Katy Perry OUT Over 'Theatrics,' 'Taking Over' The Show
