MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / REALITY TV

Why was Katy Perry crying? 'American Idol' judge tears up as 'show's first trans person' Amari Keys delivers powerful audition

During 'American Idol' Season 22 singer Amari Keys's audition, Katy Perry was spotted crying and then giving a standing ovation

TUSKEGEE, ALABAMA: Amari Scott Keys discussed her transition before performing 'She Used To Be Mine' from 'Waitress' in her second 'American Idol' Season 22 audition. Meanwhile, Katy Perry was seen in tears throughout her performance before giving a standing ovation.

Amari, a 28-year-old waitress from Richmond, Indiana, sang Britney Spears' 'Toxic' during her audition. It was an acoustic rendition, and Amari included some great horn improv in which her vocals sounded like a trumpet.

Katy said Amari is "so full of light," but she wanted to know more. Amari requested to perform "She Used to Be Mine" by Sara Bareilles, explaining that as a trans woman, she lost many people when she transitioned. Katy gave Amari a standing ovation following her passionate delivery.

Did 'American Idol' Season 22 star Amari Scott Keys win Golden Ticket?

Luke Bryan described her emotion as "incredible," yet she was swallowed up by the highest notes. He declined, but Lionel Richie and Katy dispatched Amari to Hollywood.

'American Idol' Season 22 fans disagree with Luke Bryan

'American Idol' Season 22 fans were sure not happy with Luke's reaction as they took to X to write, "Luke saying no to Amari? Is he out of his mind? Don't PMO." One person also asked, "How could @lukebryan say no to such an amazing talent?"

While calling her perfect, another person wrote, "That was PERFECT!!! And to sing “She Used to be Mine” from Waitress fits Amari’s story TO A T!!!"

One user described Amari's performance was, "That was one of the rawest performances I've ever seen on this show. Amari killed it." A fifth user agreed, "That second song Amari sang was absolutely perfect for her."  

One person noted, "She was awesome. Evoked such emotion." "Amari 2nd song was more emotionally invested, the approach was just as joyful but more tentative and touching. I felt the tears coming. I relate to playing the tune with the fingers while singing, too," noted another. 

'American Idol's Amari Scott Keys stopped singing to take care of mother fighting brain disease  

Amari, who now resides in Indiana and goes by the full name Amari Scott Keys, "stopped singing for three or four years" before being offered the opportunity to audition for 'American Idol'. Her mother had a neurological condition, therefore she was caring for her.

Amari, a transgender woman, completed a medical change approximately a year ago. After being chosen to audition, Amari traveled to Nashville, where she spent a couple of days immersed in the excitement of participating in a national television show.

Amari also creates her own music, however, she hasn't released any original recordings.

'American Idol' Season 22 airs on ABC on Sundays at 8 pm ET/PT.