Introduction
A look back at Adam Lambert’s legendary audition on American Idol reveals more than what was shown on TV, according to the superstar himself. Lambert, who rose to fame after his incredible performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” in 2009, recently shared behind-the-scenes details on the podcast, Idol Memories.
The Audition That Almost Didn’t Happen
Before he was a global rock star, Lambert was a 26-year-old theater performer in Los Angeles, struggling to find his big break. Despite his friends urging him to try out for American Idol, he had his doubts. “I wasn’t sure if I fit the mold,” he confessed. He was concerned that his glam-rock style might not appeal to a mainstream audience.
When he arrived in San Francisco for the Season 8 tryouts, Lambert was a “bundle of nerves,” barely sleeping the night before. His choice of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a gamble—a song with a huge vocal range that he hoped would showcase his talent, but he worried it might be “too much” for the judges.
Unseen Moments of a Star-Making Performance
What fans saw on TV was a confident Lambert strutting into the audition room, earning a standing ovation from Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. But Lambert revealed that the on-camera moment was just a small part of a much longer, more chaotic process.
- The Grueling Process: He spent nearly six hours waiting in a packed venue with thousands of other hopefuls. He described a chaotic scene of nervous energy, with contestants singing, crying, and even arguing with staff.
- A-Capella Shake-Up: Before facing the celebrity judges, he had to perform a different song, Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You,” a-cappella for producers. He admitted to shaking with nerves but “nailed it.”
- Wardrobe Malfunction: His now-iconic black shirt was a last-minute choice. A producer deemed his original, brightly colored jacket “too distracting,” so he borrowed the tight black shirt from a friend in line.
Lambert also shared that his performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was nearly derailed by a technical glitch. The microphone briefly cut out, an issue that was edited out of the broadcast, forcing him to keep going as if nothing had happened.
Simon’s Frank Feedback and a Mom’s Wise Words
While the judges’ on-air praise was memorable, Lambert said their off-camera comments were even more impactful. Randy and Paula were supportive and curious about his background, but Simon was more challenging. “I was asked if I could downplay it so that it would appeal to a wider audience,” Lambert recalled. His response? “Perhaps, but this is who I am.” This authenticity would become his trademark.
Lambert also shared that just before his final audition, he had a moment of intense self-doubt. He overheard other contestants discussing the judges’ preferences, which made him feel like he was the “opposite” of what they wanted. He was close to quitting when his mother, Leila, gave him a final, powerful pep talk. “She gripped my shoulders and told me, ‘You’re enough. Just be yourself.’ That stuck with me.”
The Lasting Impact
Lambert’s American Idol journey wasn’t just a personal success story; it also helped pave the way for more diversity on reality TV. His audition is still considered one of the most iconic in the show’s history, a turning point that helped the series embrace a wider range of talent.
Looking back, Lambert is proud of the impact he had. “I didn’t set out to be a pioneer,” he said on the podcast. “All I intended to do was sing. But looking back, I am proud to have been a part of that shift.”
Today, Lambert is a global star, having sold millions of albums and toured the world as the lead singer for Queen. He also returned to American Idol in 2025 as a mentor, offering contestants the same advice his mother gave him years ago: Be you. That’s what pulled me through.