(CNN) A fan-favorite contestant on the current season of “American Idol” said an emotional farewell to the show.
Kaya Stewart left the competition after falling ill during Hollywood Week in which contestants compete for the chance to appear on live shows.
The singer is 22 years old She posted the news as she was supposed to sing with another contestant, fire.
“I was just trying to push myself and keep going,” Stewart told the judges. “During that performance, I got to work with Fire and it was such an amazing experience. She’s so talented, so amazing, and we bonded so much, but I knew I wasn’t able to give 100 percent.”
When judge Katy Perry asked Stewart if her performance meant she was leaving the show, Stewart confirmed that was the case before fleeing the stage in tears.
The sudden departure caused Fire to also break down in tears, sharing how stressful the experience was. She touched the judges, Berry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, during her audition with her story of growing up in foster care.
Berry invited a volunteer to sing with Fire, promising her, “You won’t be abandoned anymore.”
The fire then turned into an emotional performance with contestant Gina Elise, which visibly moved the judges, including Perry.
The fellow contestants gave Fire a standing ovation after Perry announced that she was moving on to the next stage of the competition.
Stewart was favored after she auditioned in Nashville with her famous father, Dave Stewart, playing guitar for her.
Stewart was one half of British pop duo Eurythmics. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.