Watch ballet dancer-turned-singer from PA receive standing ovation on ‘American Idol’

A ballet dancer throughout his adult life, Skyler Maxey-Wert is turning to another passion — singing.

The 25-year-old performer originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has lived in Germany since he was 18, but he traveled back to the United States to audition for “American Idol.”

Maxey-Wert said he has always loved to sing, and through his singing videos posted on Instagram, he was encouraged to audition for “Idol” by Incubus frontman Brandon Boyd.

It turns out Boyd has an eye for talent.

Maxey-Wert performed Donnie Hathaway’s “For All We Know,” showing off his vocal depth that has mostly gone unnoticed during his career as a dancer. By the end of his audition, he had all three judges on their feet applauding him.

“You have brought us an element we have never experienced,” Lionel Richie told Maxey-Wert.

“I don’t think your trip was in vain.”

The Pennsylvania native said he performs at open-mic nights, but has not sung on stage as a dancer. The judges encouraged him to try both at once in a future performance.

And with all three “American Idol” judges giving him a “yes,” there will be a future opportunity for Maxey-Wert.

“We see these singers who throw away their phrases. Well brother, you don’t have that problem,” Luke Bryan said. “You’re holding these notes and you’re making them tangible moments.”

This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 7:33 AM with the headline "Watch ballet dancer-turned-singer from PA receive standing ovation on ‘American Idol’."