Katy Perry breaks down on 'American Idol' after contestant suffers seizure

It was a stressful moment for everyone during Monday night’s episode of American Idol—one that left judge Katy Perry in tears. When 17-year-old contestant MaKayla Brownlee took the stage during the Hollywood Week solo rounds, she barely got through introducing herself before she appeared to hesitate, breathing heavily. She then looked off-stage, telling the background musicians to stop playing. She struggled to make it off stage before she collapsed. A man’s voice can be heard off stage saying, “You’re okay, you’re okay.”Perry, who is in her third season of the hit show, was immediately on her feet, a worried look on her face. She asked her co-judges, Lionel Richie, 70, and Luke Bryan, 43, to “give [Brownlee] a little space,” as they ran over to see what had happened. The ‘Firework’ singer can be seen pacing as Brownlee received medical care. Before coming out on stage, Brownlee told viewers, “It’s going to be very stressful and I don’t handle stress well.” Brownlee has a condition called vasovego syncope—a heart condition which causes abnormal reactions to stress. When Brownlee is under extreme stress, her condition can cause her heart rate and blood pressure to drop significantly, bringing on a seizure. And being a contestant on American Idol is probably more than enough stress.[video_embed id='1916520']RELATED: Katy & Orlando delay wedding due to coronavirus[/video_embed]After the incident, Brownlee’s father told cameras, “This opportunity is so important for her. I’d hate to see it inhibited in any way because she’s such a good singer. She works so hard at it.” He also mentioned that, “She’s embarrassed, but physically, she’s 100 percent all right.” Perry was the first to reassure Brownlee not to feel embarrassed.

Nothing to be embarrassed about, #MakaylaBrownlee. We all handle stress differently #AmericanIdol

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) March 24, 2020

But Brownlee didn’t let that stop her. Just a few hours later, the Kansas-based snake hunter took to the stage again, receiving a standing ovation from the judges upon her emotional return. Even before she began singing, Perry gave her a wink and a smile.During Brownlee’s performance of Kacey Musgraves’s ‘Rainbow,’ Perry breaks down into tears, often looking away to gain composure. But Brownlee’s performance was triumphant, and Perry was the first on her feet in applause. She watched through her tears as Brownlee left the stage.After the show, Perry sent a touching message to Brownlee on Twitter, praising the young songstress for reminding us all of the “perspective we need.” We can definitely agree on that one. Also, can someone pass the tissues?

That was the sweetest performance of ‘Rainbow’ #MakalylaBrownlee. So thrilled you were able to come back and sing for us and give us that perspective we need to be reminded of sometimes ♥️ #AmericanIdol @KaceyMusgraves

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) March 24, 2020

Perry’s co-judges Ritchie and Bryan also sent Brownlee well-wishes. We’re glad she’s okay too!

You gotta push through. So glad Makayla was alright and made it back to us. #AmericanIdol

— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) March 24, 2020

#MikaylaBrownlee, so glad you are ok. You’ve got this. Just picture yourself #SnakeHunting with @KaceyMusgraves. #AmericanIdol @AmericanIdol

— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) March 24, 2020

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