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Former ‘American Idol’ contestant returns as drag queen for stunning performance – WATCH

The drag queen slayed the 'American Idol' judges on Sunday night (March 25)

By Fabio Crispim

A former American Idol contestant returned to the show in drag and wowed the judges. 

Adam Sanders auditioned for the reality show back in 2013 and was eliminated by judges after making it into the top 50, but that didn’t stop him from returning this year. 

Sanders, now 24, returned to the show on Sunday (March 25) as alter-ego Ada Vox and wowed judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan with their performance. 

Ahead of Vox’s audition, Adam Sanders revealed how he was shamed for his size and sexuality after being eliminated from the show, saying: “It killed me inside. It killed me almost as much as the people who were telling me that I should kill myself.”

 

He continued: “Through all of the negativity I have managed to build myself up as a new person, as a stronger person. I have recreated myself in ways I could not have imagined.” 

The three judges were surprised when Vox informed them about their previous audition for the show. Then, after performing a powerful rendition of ‘House Of The Rising Sun’ by The Animals, the judges were stunned.

Lionel Richie told Vox: “We’ve had a lot of artists come on here, talented, but a bit confused. What you are giving us is a clear understanding of who you are, coming in with an amazing amount of talent.” 

The three judges all voted to pass Vox through to the next round. 

Watch the performance below: