Singer Adam Lambert has returned to the American Idol auditions to fill in for judge Keith Urban as he comforts his wife Nicole Kidman following the death of her father.

The country singer scrapped a planned charity concert performance on Thursday (11Sep14) following the death of Dr. Anthony Kidman in Singapore, and flew back to their native Australia to be by his wife's side.

And, when Idol auditions began this week in New York, Urban was a no-show.

Instead, Lambert, who was runner-up in the singing competition in 2009, took his place alongside Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. for a photo call at New York Marriott Brooklyn Bridge.

A spokesman for the talent show says, "Adam Lambert will be serving as guest judge at the New York auditions. Our thoughts are with Keith and his family during this difficult time."