Adam Lambert returned to American Idol on Thursday (March 18) to give a stunning performance of the song 'Mad World'.

His haunting rendition of the Gary Jules' track - which is a cover of the British band Tears for Fears, got a standing ovation from Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. His performance was a striking reminder that the star can take any kind of song and make it his own. His initial performance was so well-received, that it was only natural that he was asked to come back and perform it again.

American Idol not only introduced us to the vocal powerhouse's lovable and colorful personality, but proved him to be one of the most impressive contestants in the show’s history. He was a finalist on the show in 2009 and has since gone on to carve out a career as a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter in his own right.

The star is also gearing up for The Queen + Adam Lambert 2016 Summer Festival Tour.

Listen to & Stream Adam Lambert here.

Watch him performing 'Mad World' back in 2009 and his stunning rendition below:

[Updated June 2009] Lambert's 'Mad World' charted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent three weeks.