It's been nearly seven years since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the southeast United States, killing thousands and leaving millions of American citizens homeless. Despite aggressive reconstruction efforts, the revitalization process has been slow-going for many victims. During her recent tour stop in the Big Easy, Miranda Lambert got rather emotional about the destruction still untouched in New Orleans.

“I’m sorry, y’all, but I wanted to say something,” Lambert told the crowd just after beginning her signature hit, 'The House That Built Me,' over the weekend. “I went out to Walgreens today, and I saw some houses that still had boards on the windows, and… I live in Tornado Alley, in Oklahoma, and I know how disaster can affect a community."

The usually outspoken singer added, "I just wanted you to know that I’ve prayed for you guys, and everything you went through, and that I appreciate you rebuilding your community and coming back stronger than ever."

As Lambert resumed her first No. 1 country hit with encouraged crowd participation, it was obvious that she was genuinely emotional about the performance. With tears pouring from her eyes, the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Years ended the song with a bit of humor, despite the somber mood.

“Seriously, y’all,” Lambert told the crowd. “I’m gonna have to kick your a--es if you tell anyone I was crying up here!"

The singer's most recent tearful performance isn't the first while singing the sentimental ballad. During a touching post-tornado rendition of ‘The House That Built Me’ in Wichita, Kansas in April, fans sang the first verse as Lambert wiped tears from her eyes and swayed along to their song. She regained composure during the second verse and finished the song.

Lambert continues her On Fire headlining tour in support of her most recent chart-topping album, 'Four the Record.' The singer is currently heating up the charts with project's fiery third radio single, 'Fastest Girl in Town,' co-written by fellow Pistol Annies member Angaleena Presley.

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