An emotional Katy Perry comes out on stage of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" as she surprised an Orlando shooting survivor, Tony Marrero.
Tony Marrero was inside the Pulse Nightclub on the early morning of June 12 when the shooting took place. The shooter, Omar Mateen, killed a total of 49 people and 53 others wounded. Marrero was one of them.
The 39-year-old survivor endured four gunshots in the back and one in the arm. He had to pretend he was dead by hiding his head under the couch. Marrero was in a very critical condition, almost losing his life on the way to the hospital. Fortunately, he was revived.
During his stay at the hospital, Marrero sent a photo of himself to Ellen. In the photo, he was holding a drawing of Dory, Ellen's character in the movie "Finding Dory" with a sign that reads: "I'm still swimming, Ellen." Ellen invited him to the show when he got out of the hospital. The TV host also learned that Marrero is a big fan of Katy Perry and that the singer's hit song "Rise" was an inspiration for the said survivor.
The Orlando shooting survivor appeared on the Sept. 8 episode of "Ellen", sharing the unforgettable experience at the Pulse Nightclub. Marrero also revealed how Katy Perry's song "Rise" helped in his recovery.
Ellen then went to ask if he had met Katy before. "Have you met Katy yet, or no?" she asked a speechless Marrero. "You wanna meet Katy?"
Katy Perry appeared from backstage, her emotions overflowing. Both were already in tears before they met and shared a hug onstage. It was a touching moment.
"We're both electrified by each other and so inspired," Perry said after hugging Marrero.
Marrero expressed his admiration to the singer, sharing how her song helped him through the past few months.
He told Perry "I just want to say thank you for everything you do. Your lyrics to that song helped me from the day I was in the hospital all the way to now. Thank you."
The "Rise" singer appreciated Marrero's thoughts.
Perry said "Life isn't easy and you need little reliefs, through songs possibly. I'm happy to be a joy, I'm happy to be a light, I'm happy I could be there in my own little way to help you."
At the end, Katy Perry offered to pay Tony Marrero's first year in film school.
Check out the touching moment below.
