Who replaced Freddie Mercury as Queen's lead vocalist for the 2004–2005 tour?

Paul Rodgers sang with Queen during the 2004–2005 touring period.

Rodgers, formerly the lead singer of Free and Bad Company, joined Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor for performances beginning in 2004 and a major tour in 2005. The collaboration followed their appearance together at the UK Music Hall of Fame ceremony in October 2004.

The arrangement was officially presented as Queen + Paul Rodgers. That name mattered: Rodgers was not literally installed as Freddie Mercury’s replacement, because the band described him as being “featured with” Queen rather than replacing Mercury. Nevertheless, he handled the principal lead-vocal role on the tour, making Paul Rodgers the canonical answer to this quiz question.

The tour was Queen’s first major tour since Mercury’s final concert appearances in 1986. It continued into 2006, with concerts across Europe, Japan, North America and elsewhere. Rodgers performed Queen songs as well as material associated with Free and Bad Company.