An obscure singer-songwriter deserves at least some of the credit for a rare standing ovation by “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell. Adam Lambert's haunting performance of the Tears for Fears song “Mad World” is an arrangement by Gary Jules, who covered the ‘80s hit on his 2001 album, “Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets.” Jules' version, recorded with producer Michael Andrews, was featured in the cult movie “Donnie Darko” the same year. The song topped the charts in Britain in 2003 but is little known to U.S. listeners. Lambert has emerged a front-runner on the popular Fox network competition. The 27-year-old actor is known for his daring performances and vocal range.
