Adam Sanders, a previous American Idol hopeful knocked out in early rounds, returned to the show this week, wowing the judges with a very different look.

Sanders auditioned for Idol in 2012 but left the competition upon making it to the final 50, not reaching the live shows. But looking at the judges reaction this time around, it seems he’s going to go a lot further.

As Ada Vox, Adam’s drag alter ego, entered, the judging panel, consisting of Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, couldn’t help but take notice. Performing with attitude, Ada, impressed them with a fantastic performance of the classic hit, House Of The Rising Sun.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofdSsBKW6NU[/embedyt]

Although the reaction in the room was overwhelmingly positive, Adam admitted life following his first appearance on Idol hadn’t been so good. After his elimination, he received negative messages on social media regarding his sexuality and his appearance. “It killed me inside. It killed me almost as much as the people who were telling me that I should kill myself”.

Refusing to let the naysayers pull him down, he continued powerfully, “But through all 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”.

All three judges gave Adam their vote, with Lionel Richie praising him saying, “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”.

Sanders isn’t the first drag queen to appear on the reality singing competition. RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist and winner of Celebrity Big Brother, Courtney Act first came to prominence as a contestant on the Australian version of Idol, while Danny Noriega, better known as Drag Race fan favourite, Adore Delano, appeared on the competition in 2008.