Before commanding the stage with Queen, Adam Lambert first turned heads as a breakout star on American Idol. His soaring vocals and electrifying presence made him a standout in the show’s eighth season, where he finished as runner-up but left a lasting impression.

Looking back at Lambert’s American Idol audition, you can’t help but notice his bold song choices. 26-year-old Adam Lambert stepped into the audition room with quiet confidence, ready to make an impression. When asked about his song choice, he didn’t hesitate—he was going big.

“What are you gonna sing for us?” asked judge Kara DioGuardi. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Lambert replied with confidence. It was a risky pick, but Lambert delivered each note with precision and passion, effortlessly hitting the song’s challenging highs. His vocal control and stage presence were undeniable, leaving the judges with no doubt about his talent. By the end, all four judges gave him a resounding yes—marking the start of his unforgettable journey.

Randy Jackson frankly expressed his opinion, saying that on reflection he felt Lambert was a good singer and that “I actually think it’s time…for someone like you,” while Paula Abdul summed up by claiming Lambert that he was “brilliant.”

Not just those in the room but viewers watching from home were captivated by his performance. Even after a decade, many still go back to watch it.