The drama is heating up on American Idol. During Sunday night’s (April 9) episode of the hit singing competition show, contestant Nutsa Buzaladze tearfully apologized to the judges after her duet partner accused her of sleeping through a rehearsal.

The awkward moment that started it all occurred during last week’s episode when Carina DeAngelo told Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan that the duo had a “couple of issues” the night before their performance because “some people wanted to sleep instead of working.” The revelation resulted in Perry telling Buzaladze, “Don’t forget about grace. More grace.”

While speaking to cameras backstage, Buzaladze said she had “regret” over not expressing her feelings to the judges. However, she had the opportunity to address them directly during the most recent episode.

“I wanted to tell my side of the story, and I felt so bad I was frozen. I didn’t want to bring negative energy, so that’s why I didn’t say nothing,” Buzaladze told the trio as she wiped away tears. “I didn’t speak up because I didn’t want to cry on stage. But after I left the stage I was just destroyed. So I wanted to apologize for that.”

Fortunately, the contestant received a positive response from the famous judges, even receiving a hug from Perry.

“That’s so wonderful, and Nutsa, what I meant about grace is that it’s OK to be determined and ambitious and edgy and strong but also with grace,” Perry replied. “I really relate to you because I know what it means to be a strong woman and want to be strong, to never break and to never feel like anything can ever get to me, but that’s not real.”

The “Hot N Cold” singer added, “I think that they’re seeing that you’re a real person with a big heart and a big talent.”

Buzaladze gave further insight into her side of the story in an Instagram post, where she explained that she had taken a 17-hour flight to Los Angeles just a day before they started shooting. While she said she was unaware that they had additional vocal rehearsals after their official rehearsals, she came back as soon as DeAngelo had called her.

“I realized Carina was not feeling comfortable by that time and I did my best to rehearse as much as she wanted,” Buzaladze wrote. “I really wanted to make this experience unforgettable for both of us.”

She continued, “After all, we both had to enjoy this performance and the fact that Carina was not content, really upset me a lot. Because she is a very talented girl, with strong vocals and I am sure she will achieve a lot in her career life and I wish her all the best.”

Despite referring to the duet round as the “hardest emotional experience” that she’s ever had in her life, Buzaladze’s standalone performance of Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” was enough to send her into the Top 24.

American Idol airs on Sunday nights at 8/7c on ABC.