Adam Lambert confirms Queen position then retracts statement

There has been speculation over the last few months that Queen was ready to bring American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert in as their lead singer, but its questionable whether a deal is in place.

The singer has performed with Brian May and Roger Taylor in the past, most notably on the AI finale in 2009 and at MTV's EMAs back in November in Belfast, so the partnership is not that far fetched. Lambert has now talked with Britain's Daily Star confirming the deal.

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.

After the EMAs, I heard faint little slithers of a backlash from people saying: 'You can't replace Freddie Mercury.' 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.

Being asked to front Queen is the best thing that can possibly happen.

Later, Lambert went on Twitter and tried to backpedal on his comments, claiming that "Them clever reporters takin my quotes outta context ... I haven't confirmed any guest appearances. I was talking about the EMAs...That being said, I'm truly flattered by your jump to such glorious conclusions mr journalist!! :)."

Hollywood Records, Queen's label, is not as positive about the deal. "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."

If it all comes together, it will be a busy year for Lambert. His second album, Trespassing, is scheduled for a March 20 release.