Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Queen and Adam Lambert kicked off a 24-date North American tour Thursday night in Chicago.

And the former American Idol runner-up is getting rave reviews for his performance as the band’s front man.

Writes the Chicago Tribune: “From Lambert’s amazing vocal range to his sense of style, humor and showmanship, he was a natural fit to the bombast and over-the-top production that is Queen. And while (Freddie) Mercury’s virtuosic voice is unparalleled, Lambert’s impressive take on the material paid appropriate homage while adding his own flourishes to the mix.”

Writes the Chicago Sun-Times: “As he struck a decadent pose atop a purple-and-gold chaise lounge during a very glam ‘Killer Queen,’ it was clear that Lambert possessed the charisma to pay maximum tribute to Mercury’s larger-than-life persona. It helped that he had skill to match the theatricality.”

That tour will be making stops in Philly, Atlantic City and Columbia, Md., next month. For more details, go here.

Meanwhile, here are photos from Thursday’s show.

Adam Lambert and Brian May perform as Queen opens its North American tour in Chicago Thursday night. (AP Photo)

Queen opened its tour with Adam Lambert as front man Thursday night. (AP Photo)

Adam Lambert and Brian May perform as Queen opens its North American tour in Chicago Thursday night. (AP Photo)

Adam Lambert performs as Queen opens its North American tour in Chicago Thursday night. (AP Photo)

Adam Lambert and Brian May perform as Queen opens its North American tour in Chicago Thursday night. (AP Photo)

Adam Lambert and Brian May perform as Queen opens its North American tour in Chicago Thursday night. (AP Photo)

Brian May performs as Queen opens its North American tour in Chicago Thursday night. (AP Photo)