Katy Perry breaks down in tears on live American Idol finale after fan-favorite Iam Tongi’s chilling performance

KATY Perry has broken down in tears during the American Idol finale, gushing over contestant Iam Tongi’s finale performance.

The Hawaiian singer took the stage to deliver a heartfelt rendition of Keith Urban’s song Making Memories of Us.

Before taking the American Idol stage, Iam met with Keith to chat about his song choice and get some pointers ahead of his performance.

He revealed early on in their discussion that his late father used to play one of the Australian country singer’s songs in their home when he was a kid.

Keith noted his “emotional connection” to the song, suggesting that it was the right choice for him.

Iam took the stage with his guitar strapped on and flip-flops on his feet.

He delivered a characteristically moving performance that left more than a few of the judges emotional.

Katy Perry was seen crying in her seat while Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan hid their feelings a little better.

After Iam was done singing, Katy opened the judging with this: “Can I just say one thing?

“In between you and Megan I had to grab a little tissue and fold it into a triangle because every time you come on and you sing the vibration that comes out of your mouth, it goes through the weeds of people’s hearts and it just gets to them.”

She concluded: “It moves us so much. So when you sing, I am ready to feel, baby.”

Luke and Lionel both revealed in their judges statements that they, too, had been in or near tears during the performance.

EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

Ahead of the American Idol finale, the network released a teaser that left fans feeling a bit weepy themselves.

The clip, posted to the show’s Instagram, captured Iam’s homecoming performance.

The ABC star strummed his guitar as he wore a lei, also known as the necklace of flowers given in Hawaii as a symbol of welcome or farewell.

The caption stated: “Flower power and all the aloha.

“Hawaii welcomed back hometown hero @wtongi!”

Fans became emotional in the comments section as they watched the singer become a sensation in his hometown.

One fan said: “This is why Hawaii is so unique and special. When one represents our home and culture, you have the entire Hawaiian Islands behind you.”

Another fan added: “HAWAII loved having @wtongi back home in the Islands! 

“There were THOUSANDS of people that showed up for the parade and concert honoring @wtongi!”

A third fan added: “Mahalo @wtongi for representing HAWAII, your culture, your faith, and you just being you! 

“You are already a WINNER to us! Whatever happens on Sunday, this is just the beginning of many more blessings to come!”

A fourth person wrote: “I can’t stop watching! This is so beautiful! 

“There’s nothing like this. Our community showed up! Nothing like the true aloha spirit!”

A commentator chimed in: “There may be competition, but they do not have that Aloha and mana that Iam has because this is our boy who can heal this crazy world with his voice. 

“The world came together to bring Iam home.”

ALL ABOUT IAM

The contestant grew up living the island life in Hawaii until economic hardships forced him and his family to move.

Tongi and his family packed their bags and left for Seattle, Washington.

When the American Idol judges asked why he would leave bright and sunny Hawaii for rainy Seattle, he mentioned that his family became “priced out of paradise.”

On May 21, Tongi will compete against Danielle, a 21-year-old Christian singer from Georgia, and Stough, an 18-year-old country artist from Mississippi, in the final episode.

Viewers have already picked Iam as “the real winner” of the talent competition show. 

During the recent Disney Night, Tongi honored his late father and performed the Cat Stevens song, Father and Son.

After his rendition, judge Katy Perry – who dressed up as Elastigirl from The Incredibles – hinted that he might be the next winner.

She teased: “I believe it’s written in the stars.”