Panda Ross delivered one of the most memorable and high-energy auditions in the history of The X Factor USA. Before even hitting the stage, her story was already remarkable; she had been hospitalized with pneumonia just days before her audition. Despite her illness, she refused to let the opportunity slip away, literally leaving her hospital bed to make it to the venue. Her humorous and larger-than-life personality immediately charmed the judges, especially Simon Cowell, whom she playfully claimed was her “baby daddy.”
When she finally began to sing “Bring It On Home to Me,” the atmosphere in the room shifted from laughter to pure awe. Panda possessed a deep, soulful voice with a classic blues grit that took everyone by surprise. Her vocal power and natural stage presence were undeniable, proving that she was much more than just a comedic character. The judges were visibly impressed by her resilience and the sheer quality of her performance, which felt like it belonged on a professional soul record.
The conclusion of her audition was met with a thunderous standing ovation from both the audience and the panel. Simon Cowell, despite being the target of her jokes, admitted that he absolutely loved her spirit and her “soulful, dirty” voice. All four judges gave her an enthusiastic “Yes,” celebrating not only her talent but her incredible determination to overcome her health struggles for her dream. Panda Ross left the stage as a fan favorite, leaving a lasting impression of strength and joy.
