R. Kelly performed for the first time since undergoing throat surgery, on last night's X Factor USA.

The R&B crooner has been absent from the stage since having the operation earlier this year, and decided to return on the huge stage that is the X Factor USA. Kells performed alongside contestant Melanie Amaro on the penultimate finale episode, belting out his classic 1996 ballad 'I Believe I Can Fly.'

Kelly posted on his Twitter before going on stage: "To have been thru what I have been thru - having throat surgery and not only unable to sing, but not even able to talk - and to end up on the stage of X Factor tonight shows the true power of God."

The singer recently revealed that he has written 32 new chapters of his comedic Trapped In The Closet series.

Watch his performance below...

R. Kelly takes classics to Hammersmith Apollo...