Adam Lambert to join Queen for summer tour

NEW YORK, March 6 (UPI) -- Adam Lambert will join original Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor for a summer touring North America, starting with a performance at Chicago United Center on June 19, the trio announced in a press release on Thursday.

Queen has had Lambert, American Idol's eighth season runner-up, sing lead in several performances. They first performed together in 2009, singing "We Are the Champions" during an Idol episode, and have played gigs at the MTV European Music Awards and the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

“I'm completely in awe of the Queen phenomenon,” Lambert said in a statement. “The thought of sharing the stage for a full set in North America is so beautifully surreal. I'm honored to be able to pay my respects to Freddie's memory; he's a personal hero of mine, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band. I know this tour will be a huge milestone for me, and with the support of Brian, Roger and the rest of the band, I feel like magic will be on display.”

The 19-stop tour wraps up July 20 in Washington, D.C.

[Rolling Stone]