Adam Lambert has opened up about fronting rock idols Queen this summer, admitting his surprise at being asked to sing with them.

The vocal powerhouse appeared on the Graham Norton Show in the UK this week, with an interview and live performance due to air in Britain tonight (June 22) at 10:35pm on BBC1. Other guests on the show included Will.i.Am and the actress, Miriam Margoyles.

He is in the country promoting his forthcoming album and single releases and also his summer dates with Queen, and he admitted to Graham Norton his disbelief at being asked to play with the band. He said:

"Brian and Roger asked me to front the band for a couple of performances and I was gagged. My jaw fell to the ground and I said, 'Me? What?' I am honoured. My big goal is not to stray too far from the original, people want to hear these iconic songs and to veer away too far would be sacrilege. I can't hold a candle to Freddie Mercury. He was a god of rock so it’s nice to pay tribute."

Commenting on hitting No.1 in the US albums chart, Lambert also said:

"It's crazy but it feels amazing. I worked my butt off on it and I can now breathe."