Katy Perry, the host of American Idol, was moved to tears during a recent episode when a contestant who survived a school shooting auditioned. Trey Louis, a 21-year-old from Texas, performed a rendition of Whiskey Myers’ song ‘Stone’ for judges Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.
Before his performance, Louis revealed that he had survived the Santa Fe school shooting of 2018, which claimed the lives of eight students and two teachers. Perry became emotional and tearful when Louis shared his story. She expressed her frustration and disappointment in the country, saying, “Our country has failed us! This is not okay. You should be singing here because you love music, not because you had to go through that f***ing bullshit.”
She also told Louis that he didn’t have to lose eight friends and hoped he would help people understand the need for change. Richie joined in, saying, “We have tolerated this for so long… too long. It’s become the norm.”
After the Santa Fe shooting, Travis Scott honored the survivors during a Houston Rockets basketball game. He acknowledged Santa Fe High School seniors, officers, and principals, saying, “Y’all are the strongest people on this Earth. Thank you for being the heroes for all of us.”
Kelly Clarkson also spoke out about the need for gun control after the shooting, calling for a “moment of change.” She urged people to take action and make a difference instead of just observing a moment of silence.
It is heart-wrenching to see people affected by tragedies like school shootings. It is essential to continue pushing for change and demand better safety measures to ensure no more innocent lives are lost.
Watch the emotional audition below:
