Adam Lambert famously launched his career on “American Idol” a decade ago performing a brilliant audition of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He wrapped that amazing eighth season performing with the band on the season finale, and years later earned his current spot as the front man touring as Queen + Adam Lambert.
This Sunday, Lambert comes full circle as he steps into the mentor role guiding the top eight “Idol” finalists as they each perform a song from the Queen catalog.
Viewers will get a bonus dose of Lambert, as on May 19 as he is set to perform on the season finale of the ABC show.
As previously reported by Variety, Lambert has music in the works for a new album to be released through the independent label and distributor EMPIRE. He is represented by Phillymack, the management firm founded by Phil McIntrye which also counts Nick Jonas, DNCE, the Band Perry and Lambert’s fellow “X Factor Australia” judge Iggy Azalea on its roster.
Lambert was a recurring presence on “Idol” in its previous Fox incarnation, after coming up a runner-up in season 8. He was a mentor the following season, and served as a judge in auditions for season 14. He also was on hand for “Idol Boot Camp” with Chris Daughtry in 2014.
Sunday’s two-hour episode won’t be an all-blowout: After Lambert helps teach the finalists how to go about replacing Freddie Mercury, another part of the show will be devoted to pairing the eight for “classic movie duets.”
Starting Sunday, viewers will be able to watch and vote simultaneously across all U.S. time zones, with the show having an initial 5 p.m. airing on the west coast, Results will be announced at the end of the show.