Adam Lambert joins X Factor Australia

Adam Lambert has been announced to be a judge on ‘The X Factor Australia’.

The 34-year-old singer is to take a seat on the panel next to fellow newcomer Iggy Azalea and Guy Sebastian – who has been a judge for the past four seasons – on the next series of the talent show.

Adam began his career as a contestant on ‘American Idol’, on which he finished as runner-up in 2009, and his experience of the pop star search format will prove to be invaluable in his new TV role.

He said: "I am very excited to join ‘The X Factor’ in Australia as a judge and am looking forward to helping people shine their brightest. Australia has always been one of my favorite places to tour. The Aussies I’ve met are so kind and good humored – so the thought of getting to live in Sydney is very exciting."

Broadcaster Channel Seven has revamped the format of ‘The X Factor’ and dropped one judge, meaning there will be only three contestant categories instead of four and less people going through to the live shows.

A new presenter is also coming in to replace Luke Jacobz, who last year lost his driving license after being charged for drink driving before the series began.

‘Angels Brought Me Here’ hitmaker Sebastian is very excited about the changes for the new series.

The 34-year-old musician said: "I’m not sure if we had the right panel last year, that we had the right chemistry. It just didn’t quite feel like it gelled so I think the change is good. It will be quite a different show … There will be a lot of changes, but the core of my job stays the same in that I’m there to mentor."

Last year, Sebastian was joined on ‘The X Factor Australia’ judging panel by Dannii Minogue – a veteran of the original UK version created by Simon Cowell – James Blunt and Chris Isaak.