Photos: Kanye West turns up unannounced and auditions at American Idol

Performing in front of Barack Obama in San Francisco was not enough for Kanye West - he also made a surprise appearance on American Idol at the weekend. After appearing at a Democratic National Committee event, the rapper decided to head over to the studios where auditions for the final series of the talent show were taking place.

West performed his hit Gold Digger for the panel, with his pregnant wife Kim Kardashian backstage. It is not known if his appearance was a publicity stunt or not but judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr were left looking stunned. Kardashian posted a photo on Instagram showing the scene on the producer's camera monitor, saying "SURPRISE". The verdict on West's performance will be shown when the show airs.