Before stealing the spotlight as Queen’s powerhouse frontman, Adam Lambert first made waves as the breakout sensation of American Idol’s eighth season. His jaw-dropping vocals and magnetic stage presence didn’t just earn him the runner-up spot—they cemented his place in the hearts of fans everywhere.

Flashback to his audition: At 26, Lambert walked into the Idol room with calm confidence and a daring plan. When judge Kara DioGuardi asked what he’d sing, he dropped a bold bombshell—“Bohemian Rhapsody.” Yes, the epic Queen anthem. A gutsy move that paid off big time. From the opening notes, Lambert crushed every high and nail-biting twist, showcasing vocal chops and charisma that had the judges hooked.

The verdict? A unanimous thumbs-up from all four judges. Randy Jackson didn’t hold back, admitting, “Looking back, you’re a great singer… I think it’s time for someone like you.” Paula Abdul chimed in, calling him simply “brilliant.”

Audiences at home were just as mesmerized, with many still revisiting that iconic audition more than ten years later. It was the launchpad for a star who would go on to redefine what it means to rock the stage.