OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Queen’s legendary guitarist, Brian May, recently opened up about the serendipitous arrival of Adam Lambert as the band’s frontman, revealing that the collaboration never involved auditions or a search for a new singer.
Speaking in a 2023 interview on SiriusXM, May marveled at how the partnership with Lambert came together.
Back in 2009, when Lambert was competing on American Idol, he caught the attention of Queen’s surviving members during a special performance.
At the time, May noted that while they hadn’t yet considered replacing the iconic Freddie Mercury, Lambert’s vocal prowess stood out. “It’s not like we, as Queen, would rush into coalescing with another singer just like that. It isn’t that easy,” said May. “But I’d certainly like to work with Adam. That is one amazing instrument he has there.”
The seeds for the collaboration were planted, but it took a few more years before the two sides came together. In 2012, Queen and Lambert officially began working together on the “Queen + Adam Lambert Tour,” marking the beginning of an extraordinary musical partnership that continues to this day. In a statement at the time, May expressed his confidence that Lambert would meet Freddie Mercury’s approval, a sentiment that resonated with fans and critics alike.
Reflecting on the unlikely journey during the SiriusXM interview, May emphasized just how organic the collaboration was. “We didn’t advertise. We didn’t audition,” he said. “He just turned up out of the blue, out of heaven somehow. And he had everything that we needed, plus more. It is truly incredible.”
The band’s partnership with Lambert has become a new chapter in Queen’s storied legacy, a harmonious fusion of classic rock energy and fresh vocal talent. With Lambert’s soaring vocals and undeniable stage presence, the band has continued to captivate audiences around the world. And as May fondly notes, it’s as if the stars aligned for Queen to find the perfect frontman—no search necessary.
