Adam Lambert says it's 'surreal' to be judging American Idol

Adam Lambert has admitted that it is "surreal" to be sat on the the American Idol judges' table.

This week the singer - who was a finalist on the show in 2009 - has stepped in for regular judge Keith Urban as he grieves wife Nicole Kidman's late father.

He attended contestant auditions in New York on Tuesday (September 16) and Wednesday (September 17).

Speaking to News 12 at the auditions, Lambert admitted that it was weird to be on the other side of the table.

The singer said: "This is surreal. It's full circle. And it's a great opportunity because I'm giving it back in a way. I feel like this show is an incredible launching pad - there's nothing else like it. If you play it correctly and work it to your advantage, it can start your whole career.

"So I'm trying to remind the contestants that it's a big picture thing."

Watch Adam Lambert talk American Idol below: