In a moment that fused star power, spontaneity and sheer teen joy, pop icon Katy Perry made headlines in Sydney last night—not for her vocals, but for her heart. During her concert, Perry invited four Lebanese-Australian teenagers from the crowd on stage, leading to a viral moment when she phoned one of their teachers live to excuse a student from her English exam.
The four teens—Tiana, Eli, Nour, and Perla Charbel (3 siblings and a cousin)—captivated the singer with their handmade signs, themed outfits, and one unforgettable shark costume. What began as a fun night out quickly transformed into a surreal experience that none of them will forget.
“It was crazy. I loved it. It was so unreal,” Tiana told Channel Nine’s Today Show. She had told Katy from the stage that she had an English exam the next day—an exam she clearly wasn’t preparing for at the time. Perry’s response? She took Tiana’s phone and rang her English teacher, Miss Younes.
“Hi Miss Younes, it’s Katy Perry. I’m with Tiana” the pop star said on speakerphone, drawing cheers from the arena. “We just want to say that we might be a little bit tired…”
The moment exploded online and in classrooms across Sydney. And while Perry was the star on stage, the students were the stars of the night.
The story began with Tiana’s vision: “I saw she released another night for the shows and I thought, I should take Perla… and then Nour… and then Eli. So I just got everyone together and started working on the signs.” The group even customised their outfits, with Tiana painting her dress by hand.
When Katy Perry looked their way during the show, the teens leapt into action—waving signs, jumping on chairs, and calling out until they caught her eye. The crowd around them even helped by waving their phone flashlights to direct Perry’s attention. “Shout out to them,” Eli said with gratitude. “They helped us get noticed.”
When asked how it felt to be chosen, Perla could hardly contain her excitement. “I was screaming. I was really excited. I couldn’t believe it!”
Eli, donning the now-famous shark costume, brought comic relief to the emotional scene. Their section was a burst of energy, teamwork and pure fan dedication.
As for the English exam? Tiana cheekily admitted on air: “It’s actually happening now… I’m skipping it to be on the Today Show.” She then gave a shoutout to her understanding teacher: “Thank you, Miss Younes!”
What started as a fun night turned into a powerful lesson in initiative, courage, and celebration of culture. All four teens are proudly part of Sydney’s Lebanese-Australian community, and their presence on stage added a colourful, multicultural spark to the night.
Katy Perry’s gesture wasn’t just entertaining—it was empowering. She recognised young fans who worked hard, believed in their dream, and put their hearts into a moment of magic. For Tiana, Eli, Nour, and Perla, it wasn’t just a concert. It was a spotlight they earned—and will never forget.
