Adam recreates his own audition by singing Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and becomes a tough judge as he replaces Keith Urban during the auditions in New York.
- Jan 16, 2015
AceShowbiz - More than 5 years after he graduated from "American Idol", Adam Lambert returned to the singing competition as a replacement for Keith Urban, who took time off to be with his wife Nicole Kidman after the death of her father. The "Whataya Want from Me" singer joined Harry Connick Jr. and Jennifer Lopez during the auditions of season 14 in Long Island, New York, becoming the first contestant on the show's history to ever appear as a judge.
Adam took viewers down the memory lane by recreating his original audition back in 2009, singing "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. "You're so awesome it's sickening," J.Lo commented. The 32-year-old rocker soon turned into a tough judge as he sat behind the judges' table, not hesitant to say no to contestants who were not special enough.
Sal Valentinetti, however, managed to win the heart of Adam and J.Lo. The 19-year-old Italian-American sang Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon" and won $100 in a bet with Harry as he knew the real title of the song. Harry said no to Sal, but Adam and J.Lo disagreed and sent him to Hollywood.
J. None brought his teddy bear for moral support and Harry played with it, but Adam said, "I'm really not into bears." The "Idol" hopeful sang "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown and received three yes votes from the judges.
Jax stunned the judges with her heartfelt, quiet version of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles. Sitting at the piano, she was praised by J.Lo for her "unique" personality. "It's funny. You're like shy and confident at the same time," J.Lo gushed. The judges sent her to Hollywood.
Qaasim Middleton showed his potential to become a star when performing Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" and showing his dance moves. "Good vocal talent...you got the whole vibe going on," J.Lo said and the other judges agreed. Qaasim got a Golden Ticket.
Travis Finlay with his big and soulful voice is "the type of person this show is made for," according to Adam. Harry praised him, "You are so handsome and so talented, if you can team that with the good decision-making that a music producer has���man then that's deadly." J.Lo was not so sure about "all those runs," but she let him pass through anyway.
A couple, Yanni G and Nick Fradiani, came together to audition. The judges didn't like Yanni's take on "Pitch Perfect" song "Cups". Her boyfriend, on the other hand, did better with his "In Your Eyes" and got a Golden Ticket.
"Hollywood" Anderson, an NYC busker, sang an original song about a girl he loved in college. He wowed the judges with his soulful voice and his emotional performance that made J.Lo tear up. "I want to record that song tomorrow," she said. Harry called it the best audition of the season so far.
Other singers who made the cut included The Boys Next Door, Shi Scott, Eric Lopez and Adam Ezegelian.
