When you step onto The X Factor Australia stage, you expect nerves, judges, and maybe even a golden opportunity—but what one contestant never saw coming was a once-in-a-lifetime duet with Adam Lambert himself!
In 2016, the Queen frontman and American Idol alum took a seat as a judge on Season 8 of the hit talent show. But during the audition rounds, he did more than just critique—he gave a fan a moment they would never forget.
After a hopeful contestant was told he wouldn’t be advancing, fellow judge Guy Sebastian saw an opportunity for something special. Turning to Adam and fellow judge Iggy Azalea, he suggested, “It’s not that often we get a huge Queen fan in a room with a Queen singer. How about a duet?”
The audience erupted with excitement as the contestant eagerly agreed, and Adam—always one to embrace a show-stopping moment—jumped on stage. With effortless charisma and powerhouse vocals, he launched into I Want To Break Free, instantly turning what could have been a disappointing moment into an electrifying one. The stunned contestant sang alongside him, basking in the sheer magic of harmonizing with the voice of Queen himself.
It was a full-circle moment for Lambert, who just six years earlier had been in the contestant’s shoes, auditioning for American Idol with Bohemian Rhapsody—a performance that catapulted him to stardom.
From one contestant’s missed shot to an unforgettable duet, this was a reminder of why Adam Lambert remains one of the most dynamic and generous performers in the industry.
One thing’s for sure—this is what dreams are made of.
