Adam Lambert says returning to the American Idol stage was “nostalgic”.

Lambert – who came second on last years show – returned to Idol this week to mentor the remaining constants, and admits the experience brought back a lot of memories.

“It’s nostalgic. When Ryan (Seacrest) had me come up with the contestants, I was, like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s what this feels like’,” Adam told the LA Times’s Idol Tracker.

“Standing next to Ryan, looking at the teleprompter, at the judges, the audience… It puts it all into perspective. I am so thankful for American Idol for putting me on the map, for helping me start my recording career.”

And Adam hopes he gave this season’s contestants some good advice, as he knows exactly how it feels to be in their shoes.

“Hopefully, I brought them a sort of insight into the process, and into knowing what it takes to get the judges’ reaction, and a positive one, and what it’s like to be up there,” he continued. “It’s a tough process, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that the audience doesn’t see.”