American Idol has had a surprise auditionee - Kanye West.

The rapper turned up to the TV talent show's filming in San Francisco on Saturday (October 10).

The 'Yeezus' star was in town for the Democratic National Committee fundraiser and he later headed to a taping of American Idol.

Host Ryan Seacrest posted a photo on Instagram of himself, West and Kim Kardashian, writing:

"Look who's going to Hollywood! #IdolAuditions #kanyewest."

Video footage meanwhile from the audition recording has emerged online and it sees West perform his 2005 song 'Golddigger'.

American Idol, which features judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr, is due to end after 2016.

It began life in 2002 and has unearthed the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Adam Lambert.

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Watch Kanye on American Idol below: