Featured Image Credit: ABC
Topics: Celebrity, Katy Perry, Music, News, American Idol
Poppy Bilderbeck
Warning: This article contains descriptions of a high school shooting which some readers may find upsetting.
An American Idol contestant reduced Katy Perry to tears with a heart-breaking revelation after his performance.
Mattress salesman Trey Louis took to the audition room on American Idol to perform his rendition of 'Stone' by Whiskey Myers.
While the 21-year-old's performance was beautiful, it was 'Trey from the Fe's' response to why he decided to come on the show which caused 'Firework' singer Katy Perry to break down.
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When asked why he decided to audition, Trey explained to judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Byran American Idol is 'where people [he] enjoys [to listen to] make it'.
However, the 21-year-old also noted: "As I said before, I'm from Sante Fe, Texas and in May 2018, a gunman walked into my school.
"I was in art room one, and he shot up art room two before he made his way to art room one.
"I lost a lot of friends - eight students were killed, two teachers were killed. And it's really been negative man, Santa Fe's had a bad rep here since 2018."
While the other judges focused on Trey's performance and how it came 'from his heart,' Perry broke down in tears before yelling: "Our country has f**king failed us."
"Facts," Trey responded.
Perry continued: "This is not OK. You should be singing here because you love music, not because you had to go through that [expletives].
"I hope that you remind people that we have to change, because you know, I'm scared too."
Viewers have flocked to the audition video in support of Trey and in agreement with Perry's words.
One user said: "To have survived this tragedy and 5 years later, share his pain on national TV during his tryout on American Idol, which is a helluva road for anyone to travel at such a young age.
"With his resilience and love of music, I see a bright future for Trey from the Fe. Go get'em, Trey!"
Another wrote: "Everything Katy says is 100% true. I hope this guy goes where he wants to be."
A third commented: "My sister-in-law attended the same school as Trey and nothing has been the same. 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."
Richie concluded the audition by agreeing with Perry: "We have tolerated this for so long, too long, it's become the norm."
Perry added the US has to 'change' and noted she hopes Trey can 'lead' the change.
Trey resolved: "For myself, for my school, for you, yes ma'am."
Trey received yeses from all three of the judges and is going to Hollywood for the next round of the competition.
If you’ve been affected by the contents of this article you can contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline on 1-800-985-5990. The hotline provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. The helpline is toll-free, multilingual and confidential and available to all residents in the US and its territories.