He catapulted to fame after wowing the judges on American Idol, came out and enjoyed solo fame – now Adam Lambert’s confirmed as the new lead singer for one of the most successful bands of all time.

Queen is now celebrating over 40 years making music, and have recently announced its remaining members will release new tracks featuring the late Freddie Mercury’s vocals. There are even duet demos with Michael Jackson hanging around to be released.

Lambert will join the band on stage at UK rock festival Sonisphere 2012 in July, with Queen’s crew saying he’s a perfect fit for the role.

Guitarist Brian May says Lambert will be a “great interpreter” of Freddie’s songs. “It will be challenging – my God, it will be challenging,” he adds, “but you’ve got to set yourself big hurdles to get over really, that’s what life is about.

“And I’m sure that if Freddie was around, or if he is around, then he’ll appreciate what we’re doing, because its interpreting those songs and those songs should live.”

Lambert reacts: “Freddie Mercury was a hero to me and his voice, his song writing and being gay, the whole package is amazing.

But he was quick to reassure Freddie fans that “I in no way am trying to copy or mimic or replace Freddie or do what he did, that would be insulting to his memory and to the fans that hold him in such high regard. I just am paying tribute.

“I am excited to sing the songs that he wrote and to try to give them some sort of flair that he would appreciate.”

Queen have performed with Lambert twice before – once on the 2009 final of American Idol, and once at the MTV European Music Awards.

The show must go on.