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ADAM's BIOGRAPHY
Adam Lambert first came to the public’s attention on 20 January 2009, auditioning as a hopeful in season 8 of American Idol.
But Adam was no stranger to the entertainment world and had been performing with his band, Citizen Vein, as well as working in musical theatre (most notably as an understudy for Fiyero in Wicked) to make ends meet, while hoping to fulfil his dream of becoming a successful pop artist. For more details of Adam’s pre-Idol days, click here
When he auditioned for Idol with Bohemian Rhapsody, he told Simon Cowell “I’ll surprise you”, a promise which he’s undeniably kept.
Captivating many viewers from that first, brief Idol appearance, with his astounding voice, quiet confidence and charismatic good looks, he went on to gather more and more fans with each episode of American Idol.
Adam’s appeal is multi-faceted. He is appreciated for his vocal range, his technical skills, his wide range of singing styles, his looks and fashion sense, his stage presence and charisma, his dancing, his articulate and intelligent interactions with others, and his humility and kindness.
Ever the chameleon, he defies definition and transcends labels, which may explain the staggering diversity of his fans. Adam has passionate and vocal followers in several dozens of countries worldwide of virtually all ages, from the adorable 15-month-old Paisley who is fretful until she can watch Adam on her mum’s phone, to the fabulous 104-year-old Ivy Bean, who twitters her support of Adam from the UK.
In between, there are screaming pre-teens, cool teenagers and young mums, all excited by someone so vibrantly fresh and different on the music scene. And then there are the legions of middle-aged mums and dads, and almost as many grandparents, who are surprised to find themselves being suddenly turned back onto music after handing over the baton of fandom to the younger generation many years ago.
How has Adam Lambert managed this? Probably by doing what he vowed to do all along, which was to remain true to himself, both on-stage and off-stage, however risky that might be.
Adam Lambert on American Idol was no ordinary talent show contestant. On stage, he looked and sounded like a star from the outset. Receiving early praise from the judges, such as Simon Cowell’s “that was in a totally different league to everything else we’ve seen or heard tonight” (for Black or White) and Paula Abdul’s “I think I’m not even watching the American Idol competition, I’m watching the Adam Lambert concert”(Satisfaction), viewers went on to be treated to as wide a range of music and styles as any AI contestant has ever attempted. And although he was never playing it safe, each week seemed effortless for Adam because he was keeping his own pledge to stay true to who he is.
Even the challenging country week was, with hindsight, a resounding success. Ring of Fire may have been described as “indulgent rubbish” by the often staid Simon Cowell, and it may have shocked conservatives and traditionalists both visually and musically. But actually, it was a vocal masterpiece, a visual and sensual feast, and a devilishly ingenious risk that has, in the longer term, paid off handsomely.
What many casual followers of American Idol never saw was how the on-stage persona contrasted wildly with the off-stage Adam, but for his fans the real, human Adam is as much a part of the package as the singer and performer.
He has unfailingly respected and appreciated the judges and their comments, always thanking them for their praise and listening to and acting upon their (rare) criticism.
Adam was the only contestant to regularly acknowledge the band and those who helped him with arrangements. Ricky Minor was clearly surprised and touched by Adam’s gesture that first time, after his performance of Play That Funky Music.
Adam has been generous to a fault with his fellow contestants, suggesting and arranging songs for them while never taking the credit; those songs usually turned out to be their most acclaimed, such as Allison’s Papa Was A Rolling Stone. And they all recognised him as their group counsellor, the one who gave the other contestants his time when they needed advice, wisdom and supportive pep talks.
From helping the high-heeled Lil Rounds down the stairs to allowing Allison to shine on their Slow Ride duet, never yielding to the easy temptation of out-singing her, Adam has always been a perfect gentleman.
His message, through his choices in music and fashion, and through his words to the media and to the children he meets, is to be yourself, appreciate your differences and everyone else’s, and live an authentic life of integrity, where you never need to lie about who you are.
Unsurprisingly, many parents, to the horror of those whose eyes are clouded by beliefs about the meaning of black nail varnish on a man, have openly stated that Adam Lambert is a wonderful role model and that they hope their children grow up to be like him: themselves.
For Adam, who once considered calling his first album Chameleon, being himself means being whoever he feels like being in any particular moment. It’s no wonder that the hordes of fans looking on are truly entertained by Adam Lambert.