Adam Lambert is finally getting to return to American Idol as a judge. The Queen singer will join Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban at the upcoming New York City auditions this week, as regular judge Keith Urban grieves the death of his father-in-law.
American Idol made the substitution announcement on its official Twitter last night (Sept. 15). "Adam Lambert will be serving as guest judge at the NY auditions. Our thoughts are with Keith and his family during this difficult time," the show announced.
Lambert's replacement of Urban follows the news of the death of his wife Nicole Kidman's father, Dr. Antony Kidman. The couple is currently in Australia planning his funeral. According to People, Antony Kidman passed away on Sept. 12 following an accidental fall while visiting his daughter Antonia Kidman in Singapore.
Lambert is subbing for Urban during the New York callback auditions, set to take place on Wednesday (Sept. 17) at Brooklyn's Barclays Center.
Of course, this isn't his first rodeo on American Idol. Lambert was a contestant on season eight of the show, coming in second place behind Kris Allen. After being considered as a judge for season 13, Lambert ended up returning to the show during that season as a mentor alongside his fellow Idol album Chris Daughtry.
And it seems as though he's gelling quite well with Lopez and Connick, mugging for an Instagram photo earlier today.
