'American Idol' Season 18: Louis Knight's emotion-charged performance leaves fans in tears

'American Idol' Season 18: Louis Knight's emotion-charged performance leaves fans in tears
Louis Knight (ABC/Eric McCandless)

Louis Knight not only got his parents emotional with his solo performance on Monday night but fans too! There were a whole lot of tears spilled on 'American Idol' Season 18 on Monday night when the series returned for night three of Hollywood week.

Following last week's genre challenge and last night's duet challenge, the contestants who advanced had one last challenge before they made it through Hollywood week. They had to perform a solo song of their choice accompanied by the band. 

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While a few contestants gave a shot at performing their original song in hopes of impressing judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, most others stuck to performing songs by other artistes.

The stakes were high and so was the pressure as most contestants let their nerves get to them. However, Louis Knight had something else that he struggled with. 

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When Louis auditioned, he performed an original song that was about his best friend who had committed suicide a year and a half ago. And now, back again tonight, Louis shared that he is struggling with his friend's suicide because it was his birthday on the day of the solos. 

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Inhouse mentor Bobby Bones offers a few words of advice to the contestant sharing, “Use him as your inspiration." Taking to stage, Louis performed an emotional rendition to 'Hold Me While You Wait' by Lewis Capaldi. 

Louis had his parents in the audience, and it didn't take long before they broke down hearing him sing his emotions out. Though his vocals weren't perfect, it was still powerful and emotional. 

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Without a doubt, Louis was one of the 40 contestants who advanced to the next round in Aulani, Hawaii. Taking to Twitter after his performance, fans shared they too were left emotional. 


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"Seeing Louis' mom and dad bawling on #AmericanIdol has me tearing upppppp," a fan wrote while another said, "I just love Louis Knight so much his voice and his heart has me so emotional." 

"Ok I seriously need a stockpile of Kleenex watching #AmericanIdol Louis K and his momma got me over here so emotional That was such a great performance!!" a fan shared. Another added, "Louis Knight HOLY SHIT!!! That voice. You killed it bro. Gave me chills. #AmericanIdol."

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"I love Louis Knight so damn much. I just cried so hard #americanidol," a fan wrote. Another shared, "I'm all tears watching this performance of Louis! #AmericanIdol." 

'American Idol' Season 18 airs every Sunday and Monday night only on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.

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