Adam Lambert clarifies statements about joining Queen as lead singer

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert caused quite the stir Friday when a UK site published an interview with the singer that made it seem like he was a lock to become the next lead singer for the legendary rock group Queen. Lambert has already jumped on the report in an attempt to clarify the report. A representative for Queen’s record label, Hollywood Records, has also stated that nothing has been confirmed.

Lambert spoke to the Daily Star, whose reporter wrote the story as if Lambert was a lock to replace the late Freddie Mercury. “The intention is to pay tribute to Freddie and the band by singing some f*****g great songs. It’s to keep the music alive for the fans and give it an energy that Freddie would have been proud of,” Lambert told the publication, which reported that he would join them for the Sonisphere Festival.

Lambert told the publication that he has already had people tell him that he could not replace Mercury, who died in 1991. “...But I already knew that. There’s no intention in my mind of replacing Freddie. That’s impossible. The way I’m choosing to view it is that it’s a great honour and one I’m in no way going to shirk.”

After the story was published, Lambert went to Twitter to clarify the report, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He first wrote, “Oooh them clever reporters takin my quotes outta context.... I haven't confirmed any guest appearances.” He added that he was really talking about his performance with Queen back in November at the MTV European Music Awards. Lambert also performed with Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor on Idol in 2009.

He later tweeted, “That being said, I'm truly flattered by your jump to such glorious conclusions mr journalist!! :)”

A representative for Hollywood Records also tried to calm speculation that Lambert would be joining the group full time in a statement to Rolling Stone. “The Daily Star item only mentions that Adam may perform with Queen at Sonisphere. This is not confirmed. Nothing has been signed. However, if this were to happen, Queen would be returning to the setting of their final concert with Freddie Mercury, which took place in 1986,” the statement read.

Although Mercury died in 1991, the group did record an album and tour with Bad Company lead singer Paul Rogers. The group also celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. As for Lambert, his latest album, Trespassing will be released on March 10.