GRAMMY-award winning star Harry Connick Jr. has praised Adam Lambert's temporary judging role on 'American Idol' after the show's new season kicked off last night in Nashville, Tennessee. 

The 'Trespassing' star, who was the runner up on the eighth season of the popular TV vocal talent contest, stepped in to replace Keith Urban on the panel during the New York auditions after his wife's father died, and Connick Jr. has now explained to The Hollywood Reporter that Lambert was amazing:

"He was terrific, and having the perspective of someone who has been a contestant was really unique. It was so unfortunate, the circumstances having Keith not being there, but you couldn’t find a better replacement for him. Those shows were exciting. It was really cool."

Back in December, Keith Urban told press that Lambert was a fantastic replacement for him and he was impressed with how he handled the auditions: 

“Adam Lambert stepped up and filled in for me. It was an amazing thing to see that support. I am very grateful, and I don’t take those things for granted. You would think people would have a heart. When I saw it in action with all of the network at FOX and all of the people involved with Idol, and then of course my fan base, it was an extraordinary thing.”

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Watch a snippet from Lambert's judging experience below: