Katy Perry made an emotional promise to one of the survivors of the Orlando Pulse nightclub shootings during a surprise appearance on the ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’.
The ‘Roar’ singer burst into tears when she met Tony Marrero, who credits the star with helping him during his recovery from the tragedy that resulted in 49 people being killed after a gunman opened fire at the packed club in June.
The 30-year-old, who was shot in the back four times and once in his arm, told Ellen that he listened to Katy’s song ‘Rise’ as he recuperated from his terrible injuries.
He told Ellen: “The lyrics to that song are so powerful. Every word in that song is just powerful. And I embraced it … I play it and play it and play it because it’s just so beautiful.”
Ellen then asked him if he’d ever met Katy, before introducing the singer to the set, who promptly burst into tears.
Tony told her: “I just want to say thank you for everything you do.
“Your lyrics to [“Rise”] helped me from the day I was in the hospital all the way until now. You’re amazing.”
Katy replied: “We’re both electrified by each other and so inspired. We’re both lights.
“Life isn’t easy, and you need little reliefs, through songs, quite possibly. I’m happy to be a joy, I’m happy to be a light, and I’m happy I could be there in my own little way to help you.”
And Katy had one more surprise up her sleeve when she told Tony that she was personally going to pay for his first year at film school.
Watch the moment a tearful Katy and Tony meet in the video below.
