Before his Dallas appearance, ‘American Idol’s’ gay icon, Adam Lambert, talks about his music — and the biggest coming out of the year
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| GLAM ROCKER: The flamboyant break-out star joins his fellow contestants for the ‘Idols’ Tour Thursday. |
For a while this spring, it seemed impossible to turn on a TV, open a magazine or turn around and not see or hear people talking about Adam Lambert. The L.A.-based vocalist worked the club scene tearing up the stage up with his androgynous sense of style, vocal power and range to make even Mariah Carey jealous.
Inarguably the most talked about contestant on "American Idol" this season, Lambert was picked as one of People magazine’s "hottest bachelors" and is currently in the studio recording his debut album while embarking on the American Idol Tour, which stops in Dallas Thursday.
We got a chance to talk to Lambert about what it was like to be on the show and his upcoming projects.
American Idols Live Tour, American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Drive. July 23 at 6 p.m. $41–$70. Ticketmaster.com.
After years in Los Angeles trying to make it, you have hit the big time. You must be on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. What is the hardest to cope with? The hardest part has to be maintaining my friendships. I’m so busy and I don’t want my friends to think that I’ve forgotten them. It’s also difficult because old acquaintances now want to be my new BFFs and it’s so obvious why. It’s flattering, but difficult to read peoples’ true motivation.
It seems that so many contestants on "AI" crumble under the pressure. How did you stay so focused? The pressure is definitely intense, but I’ve always enjoyed feeling busy and fired up to do projects. The extra expectation helps me deliver a stronger performance. I tried not to see the show as a competition, more as an opportunity for exposure and experience. That helped keep me less intimidated.
What can we expect differently from you on the American Idol Tour? Well first off, expect sickening wardrobe and eye makeup! I’m also closing my set with an amazing David Bowie medley that gets disco/house at the end. Let’s dance!
Is there one song that you have heard that you connected with on such a level that you wish you had written it? "Eclipse" by Robyn — I heard it for the first time and wept. It reminds me of my ex and me. Also "Come Home" by One Republic, which made me cry as well. It was written about an army wife missing her man, but to me it meant asking for love itself to come to you.
Give us five words that would accurately describe an Adam Lambert performance.
High. Fierce. Beat. Horny. Fun.
What was the last song that you listened to that you honestly enjoyed? "Lose You" by Peaches.
You have said you would love to work with artists like Lady Gaga and Madonna. If you had to pick one artist to sing with, dead or alive, who would it be? I would be honored and so intimidated to sing with the late Freddie Mercury.
You’re a fierce queen! Who is your favorite drag queen? Out of fairness I can’t pick one. I love drag queens for the bravery, expression and attitude they bring to the scene.
Describe your music-making process. I am a team player. I enjoy co-writing where a couple people sit around and throw ideas out and everyone picks the best lyrics for the song. I also make suggestions for the production of the track as well. As long as I am involved in the creation of the song, I am thrilled.
Any advice for struggling artists? Those auditioning should find a way to set themselves apart from the crowd. Think commercially, though — this is the music business. If you sing well, they are gonna be more interested in how to market you. Consider the type of artist you’d be and bring all that to the audition. Your song choice, look and presence are just as important as your abilities as a singer.
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This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition July 17, 2009.
I love how he described his performance. He is especially fierce, but equally sexy and gorgeous. His voice literally makes me high at times when he notes that are just not possible. I love to watch him perform and what a gracious and geniune person he is too. Adam totally Rocks and the AI Tour is totally all about him
The first stop on this tour here in Portland was wild. Adam was the show and worth the money just to see him. His version of Starlight from that show is on Youtube and it is fantastic. Better than the original…JMHO. You gotta love this guy….he is apealing to all ages and it showed by who was in the audience rocking out with him….KT
What sets apart successful talents are those who give their all with such passion and intensity in their artistry. ADAM delivers these phenomenally. He is an explosion of talents combined with the whole package of drop dead gorgeous looks, appeal and sexiness with a genuine honest generous heart, a sharp intellect and philosophical mind and an old soul in wisdom.
A rare gem with no pretense and hypocrisy. How can you not love this guy? Can’t find fault with this boy, that with all his gifts, he crowns it with humility. All merits go to his parents. He makes them so PROUD.
As one blogger said: “GOD was just showing off when He created ADAM LAMBERT!”
Adam is very smart in interviews. His answers are admirable. He’s a flawless guy & I am just wondering why are there some people who try to ruin him.
Why is it necessary for all you interviewers to mention the word “gay” in all of your articles? When you interview Kris Allen does your headline read ” Heterosexual Kris Allen talks about his new album”? Looks pretty dumb doesn’t it? Keep the focus on Adam’s TALENT, GENUINENESS, INNER and OUTER BEAUTY, AMAZING VOCAL RANGE and true LOVE of MUSIC. Forget that other “stuff”. I could listen to and watch him sing 24/7….he’s that GOOD!!
I agree, Adam is a rare find. To see a young person so grounded and sensible that has out-of-this-world talent — coupled with charisma, presence, beauty, sexiness and grace — is extraordinary. When he’s “glammed up” and performing, it’s “smoke and mirrors,” he has admitted, usually with a bemused chuckle. That’s why it’s so cute and amazing to see him drop down to the boy next door in interviews. I’m looking forward to following what I’m sure will be a long and illustrious career. I sure hope he takes care of himself physically, emotionally and spiritually, and stays his sweet, loveable self.
Why does your headline say “gay icon”? He is a singer – why sensationalize the gay thing? Who cares