Ada Vox is set to perform at The Sanford Center ballroom on August 25th in conjunction with Bemidji Pride. As seen on American Idol, drag queen Ada Vox is known not only for her remarkable performances but also for her voice for LGBTQ+ representation in the media.
“We are thrilled to have the Sanford Center join our efforts by providing additional entertainment and activities that align with our schedule of events this year. It’s great to have other area businesses recognize that we uplift everyone in the community when we have events like these that are truly inclusive,” stated Matthew Dahl-Wooley, CFO of Bemidji Pride.
While this August will be the third-annual Bemidji Pride event, it is the Sanford Center’s first year of joining in the efforts by enhancing the community’s experience. “We appreciated being asked to participate in Bemidji Pride this year. When we were approached with the idea, we jumped at the opportunity to be able to provide Bemidji with an elevated experience, so we’re happy we can bring Ada Vox to our venue,” stated Sheila Murphy, General Manager of The Sanford Center.
Tickets for the August 25th show are available now on ticketmaster.com for $35 plus applicable fees.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Adam Sanders, better known as his drag persona, Ada Vox, is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and drag queen who found success and pushed boundaries as a contestant on the hit singing competition
series American Idol. Ada finished as runner-up on Queen of the Universe, streaming now on Paramount+.
When Idol’s “search for a superstar” stopped in his hometown of San Antonio for their Season 12 auditions in 2012, Adam auditioned with “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. All four judges said “yes,” and Adam moved on to the next round of the competition. Although he was eliminated before the semifinals, this was just the start for Adam.
Adam later made his thirteenth attempt auditioning in 2017, this time in drag. As Ada Vox, she sang “House of the Rising Sun,” making it to Hollywood for Season 16 of the show, earning a “yes” from all three judges. Ada was the first drag performer to advance to the show’s finals, making the Top 10 of her season.
Ada’s remarkable performances weren’t the only factors of her legacy on Idol—her voice for LGBTQ+ representation in media reverberates to this day. Joining the ranks of queer Idol contestants before her, Ada’s uniquely glittery, dynamic presence sparked conversations about American households’ readiness to see a drag performer on a mainstream television program.
After making the Top 10, Ada told NewNowNext, “I know that I am here standing for something that is so much bigger than just myself.”
Throughout her season, Ada sang renditions of Queen, Nina Simone, Elton John, and Idina Menzel hits, returning for a finale performance of “Lady Marmalade” with Patti LaBelle.
