**Teen’s Emotional “American Idol” Audition Moves Judges to Tears**
Eighteen-year-old DJ Johnson, the daughter of a worship leader and the sixth of ten siblings, delivered a powerful audition on *American Idol* that brought the judges to tears.
Before performing, DJ shared that her mother had walked out on the family just a year earlier — a devastating event that deeply impacted her. She explained that while music had always been her passion, her mother had often belittled her for it.
Seated at the piano, DJ began singing her original song, “Scars,” which she wrote to express the emotional pain of her mother’s absence. But as the weight of her emotions took over, she was forced to pause the performance.
Judge Lionel Richie stepped in with a handkerchief and encouraged DJ to embrace her father, who was standing nearby. The judges gave her time to collect herself and offered gentle words of encouragement.
Katy Perry, visibly moved, insisted that DJ finish the audition. Although Luke Bryan suggested she could sing a different song, DJ courageously chose to continue with “Scars.”
As she pushed through the song with tears in her eyes, Katy Perry was seen crying openly. After the performance, the judges commended DJ’s courage and authenticity.
Katy told her, “Some of the greatest artists become artists because they have had the most pain in their life. If you are able to turn that sorrow into a goal… continue to be courageous.”
In the end, all three judges gave DJ a heartfelt “yes,” advancing her to the next round and leaving the studio in awe of her strength, honesty, and talent.