Adam Lambert fills in as judge on “American Idol”

Adam Lambert is back on American Idol – this time as a judge.

The show suddenly found itself one judge short during its New York auditions when Keith Urban left to be with wife Nicole Kidman in Australia after her father’s sudden death over the weekend.

Lambert, the season 8 runner-up and one of the most successful stars to ever emerge from the show, agreed to join Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. at the judge’s table temporarily.

‘Unfortunately, it’s under these circumstances,’ Lambert tells Entertainment Tonight.

‘My condolences to Keith and his family.’

Despite the circumstances, Lopez and Connick have enthusiastically welcomed Lambert who has completed his summer tour with Queen.

‘Adam is so fun,’ Lopez says. ‘He brings in a whole new thing. He’s a sweetheart.’

Added Connick: ‘He brings what no one else can bring which is the perspective of a contestant who made it all the way to the finale.’