Steven Tyler dressed as a woman for a secret American Idol audition

Thursday night’s American Idol show saw a statuesque blonde woman who turned out to be a man in drag coming for audition.

And not just any man – Pepper was unveiled as former American Idol judge Steven Tyler.

The Aerosmith singer turned up at the end of Thursday night’s episode pretending to be a hopeful.

Viewers thought the hour-long show had ended.

But host Ryan Seacrest said: “Wait, we still have one more audition for you.”

Pepper was seen walking into the judges’ room.

And Keith Urban seemed to be the first to click that all was not what it seemed as he laughed and clapped.

“What the, what?” said Randy Jackson as he looked up.

Steven Tyler, 64, in a blonde wig, black tights and heels and showing off a large bust – said in a husky voice: “My name is Pepper. I’m going to sing a song called <<Tell Your Ma, Tell Your Pa, Our Love Going to Grow, Wah Wah>>.

“But before I do I’m going to judge you all [bleeps] first.

“I like you men. The roosters may crow but the hens deliver the goods, do you know what I’m saying?”

He then cracked up as Randy Jackson shouted: “Steven Tyler is in the house!”

“Do I go through to Hollywood or what?” Steven Tyler asked.

“I thought it was Halloween,” said Randy Jackson.

“Has your chest grown?”

“This dude looks like a lady,” said Mariah Carey.