Of all the queens on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK this year, few have sparked quite as much conversation and debate as KY Kelly.
From week one of the competition, KY has become known for her live vocals, earning her wins in both the talent show and musical challenges.
But what you might not realise is that long-time reality TV fans may well have heard her distinct vocals once before.
BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy
As a teenager, KY – then known as Anthony Batey – tried out for the original series of the groundbreaking talent search Pop Idol, making it through the auditions to the first round of heats before the live shows began.
However, her rendition of Against All Odds failed to impress the judges (Simon Cowell called the performance “totally average”) or secure enough votes to put her through to the live shows, which would eventually end in Will Young triumphing over fellow chart-topper Gareth Gates.
Over the weekend, footage of KY’s ill-fated Pop Idol stint was shared on social media, with one Reddit user enthusing: “I live for the 00s aesthetic.”
“God, you forget just how brutal these talent shows were back in the day,” another commented, with a different user agreeing: “Those judges are so brutal to such a young kid. Must have been gutted at the time.”
“I have to appreciate that she clearly has always wanted to perform/fame and despite rejection, (public rejection in this case!) she has continued to pursue her dream,” wrote another viewer. “Respect for that.”
Since competing on Pop Idol, Anthony created the drag alter-ego KY Kelly, and has gone on to achieve huge success, including a recent cameo on Coronation Street and a stint in the UK touring production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy
Meanwhile, the current season of Drag Race UK will be the last to air on the BBC, after the broadcaster made the “very difficult choice” to axe the show due to “significant financial pressures”.
Fortunately, Drag Race UK will continue on the streaming service Wow Presents Plus, beginning with the inaugural All Stars series of the British spin-off.
